Consultation launches on investment in the North’s transport

Transport for the North (TfN) has launched a 12-week statutory consultation on its revised Strategic Transport Plan for the North of England.

With investment in transport infrastructure capable of delivering an extra £118 billion annually to the region’s economic output by 2050, the Plan sets out the case to transform the North’s transport system. The Strategic Transport Plan will act as the blueprint for TfN to advise government on future transport investment for the North of England, as well as detailing how the transport system can be made greener.

The sub-national transport body is now looking to hear feedback from the public and businesses in the North on its draft proposals over the next 12 weeks. Comments will be fed into the final Strategic Transport Plan that will be approved by the North’s political leaders later this year.

The 12-week consultation runs from Thursday 25 May to Thursday 17 August. As well as attending local partner meetings right across the region, TfN will be holding drop-in events hear views on the STP in Manchester, Leeds and Newcastle, as well as an online virtual workshop on 31st July.

Lord McLoughlin, Chair of Transport for the North, said:

“Over the next 12 weeks we want to hear from as many people as possible as part of our consultation for the strategic transport plan, on how we should transform transport in the North. Your views, comments and feedback will help us shape the plan to deliver the outcomes needed by citizens, businesses, and places across the region.

“Our strategic transport plan will set out our advice to government on how best the North, speaking with one voice, thinks we can reach a sustainable, socially inclusive transport network for the future.

“We need to change how we plan for, develop, invest, and deliver transport infrastructure and services. The evidence in this STP shows how with sustained investment, the right policy levers and enabling behaviour change, we can truly transform the North.

“The final STP is due to be published in early 2024 and will lay the foundations for the transport infrastructure investment for the North for decades to come. This is why it’s vital we hear from as many people as possible, so please visit our website or attend one of our workshops near you. And don’t miss your opportunity to have your say on how we transform the North.”

TfN’s Strategic Transport Plan is available to read in full via the organisation’s website, where comments on proposals can also be submitted.