The Transport Act 2000, as amended by the Local Transport Act 2008, has provided a new policy framework benefiting all local transport authorities. The framework gives greater certainty of funding, while encouraging more strategic transport planning with local consultation, and increasing local flexibility and discretion over resources. It was accompanied by a significant increase in capital funding: support from the Department for Transport for Slough's transport investment has risen sevenfold over the last decade.
Investment in Slough borough council's Local Transport Plan has delivered a number of improvements to the quality, safety and accessibility of the local transport network. Between 2001 and 2007, the number of people killed or seriously injured on the local highway network decreased by 34 per cent., and bus patronage per head of population increased by 20 per cent. in the period 2004-08.
Slough borough council has worked closely with the Highways Agency to introduce ramp metering on the M4 around Slough. The project has contributed to reduced traffic flows on the motorway at peak times and provided road users with greater journey time reliability. Ramp metering is also contributing to the M4 Air Quality Management Area (AQMA) Action Plan.
A Quality Bus Partnership has been signed with First Berkshire which has brought about significant investment by both the borough council and the bus operator. Enhanced services have been provided to the major employment sites at Heathrow and the Slough Trading Estate as part of the council's accessibility and economic development strategies and upgraded bus stops and shelters have been installed along the A4 London Road.
In June 2009, Slough borough council's Planning Committee approved the master plan for the £450 million 'Heart of Slough' project, which will lead to the regeneration of a 29-acre site in the town centre. The project is to be delivered by the borough council in partnership with the Homes and Communities Agency and Development Securities and will deliver 1,500 new homes, 35,000 square metres of office space, a new bus station and measures to improve pedestrian flow between the High Street and the bus and rail stations. The bus station is due to be completed in early 2011 and will form a key part of the borough council's vision for Slough as a regional transport hub.