Not only does Slough have a highly-skilled workforce, but
its world-class strategic communication links with other
cities allow access to a vast base of skilled workers within
a 45-minute commute time.
Future developments of the transport infrastructure are
essential to ensure the large volume of people employed
at Heathrow have accessible transport systems.
ROAD
Slough is based next to the M4 motorway giving easy
access to London, Reading and the South West region.
It is also closely situated to the M40 providing routes to
Birmingham. In addition to these motorways, the road
network is supported by the A355 (north of Slough towards
the M40 and Amersham); the A4 (travels the length of
Slough to Maidenhead and on to the West); and A412
(to Uxbridge). Solutions to heavy traffic being considered
include the widening of Junction 7 to 8/9 or Junction 5
to 8/9 of the M4. Slough also has easy access to the M25.
Travel distance to key destinations from Slough:
Heathrow
8 miles / 13 km
Central London
24 miles / 39 km
Reading
23 miles / 37 km
Bristol
97 miles / 156 km
Birmingham
101 miles / 163 km
Dover
85 miles / 136 km
Around 80% of Heathrow Airport’s staff travel to work by
road and so the implications for Slough’s road infrastructure
are significant. Heathrow is only 10 minutes away from the
centre of Slough. There is a direct bus service and future
plans for more services are being looked at.
RAIL
Slough is situated on the mainline link between Paddington
and the West Country. The town is served by six trains per
hour into London - 15 minutes to Paddington, on the First
Great Western Link service. Fast trains also run from Slough
to the West of England and Wales. There are two other
local stations, at Langley in the east of the borough and
Burnham in the west.
Western Rail Access to Heathrow
Slough Borough Council and Thames Valley Berkshire
Local Enterprise Partnership are leading on the Western Rail
Access to Heathrow (WRAtH) project for a direct rail link from
Slough to the airport that would serve not only the borough
but residents and businesses as far as South Wales and the
West Country. WRAtH can play a significant role in improving
access to international gateways both for the economically
successful Thames Valley as well as less economically active
regions in the south west who at the same time are losing air
connectivity through airport closures.
Crossrail
Crossrail is the new cross London rail link from Maidenhead
and Heathrow in the west to Abbey Wood and Shenfield
in the east. Slough will have a station of its own benefitting
commuters and residents in and out of London. It will be
fully operational by 2019.
AIR
Heathrow Airport is situated just outside of Slough, and it is
estimated that one in 20 residents of Slough are employed
at the site. It is therefore an important asset to the local
economy in terms of employment, but also for accessibility
and communications. Heathrow is the world’s busiest
international airport with more than 87 million passengers per
annum. Heathrow comprises five terminals and two runways
which face a high level of demand from passengers.
Terminal 5 is situated less than eight miles from Slough
town centre. The close proximity of Heathrow to Slough
makes it an internationally accessible location, especially
for businesses who may be located in Slough or those
who travel to Slough to do business.
14
Slough Business Directory
2014
Commun i cat i ons
