The role of transport in unlocking the economic growth potential in the east of England is to be examined in a new study.

The East of England Development Agency (EEDA) has commissioned Steer Davies Gleave (SDG) to report on the economic costs of congestion on the region’s road and rail networks; identify priorities for the region; and recommend transport solutions.

Cambridgeshire, which falls within the region, is one of only two authorities to apply for money from the Government’s Transport Initiative Fund to explore congestion solutions including road tolling.

The study will also lay out the productivity benefits of additional investment in the transport system to businesses and residents.

The results, when published in the summer, will be used to inform the regional economic strategy and other regional work so EEDA and its partners in the east of England can manage growth.

“This landmark study will define how transport can unlock economic growth in the region by putting a figure on how much congestion is costing our economy.

"It will also demonstrate the economic benefits of investment in the regional transport system,” said Andy Summers, senior transport project manager at EEDA.

“This study follows the principles laid out in the Eddington study which recommended a bottom-up, economic evidence-based approach.”