Agenda item

Considered – Report of Owen Wilson, Head of Major Roads, Transport for the North (TfN) on their Strategic Transport Plan public consultation.

Some of the key points hihglighted in the report and presentation are as summarised below:

·       The strategic ambitions of the TfN STP: Transforming economic performance (£118bn more Gross Value Added (GVA) by 2050), Decarbonisation of surface transport (Near Zero by 2045) and Enhancing social inclusion and health (1 million people fewer at risk of transport-related social exclusion by 2050)

·       The unique opportunities and challenges facing the North’s economy, people and communities, showing how transport investment can enable regional economic growth, support decarbonisation and reduce social exclusion.

·       Changes the TfN feel are needed include: an increase in total investment infrastructure, a holistic ‘whole journey’ approach, clarity and flexibility of funding and the need to work jointly together.

·       Investment in new road capacity should be targeted only where the evidence shows it is essential. TfN are providing the evidence to help the transition to low and zero emission vehicles, including with the energy sector.

·       There needs to be more focus on supporting road and rail freight.

·       It is pleasing to see the A59 Kex Gill scheme moving forwards and TfN continue to promote the A64 and A66 scheme with National Highways.

·       Better rail connectivity is desperately needed in the North, along with common standards such as improved accessibility to stations.

·       A whole systems approach is needed to enable more choice, manage demand on the road network and deliver modal shift. A transformational upgrade to the rail network is needed and continued investment roads, but in the context of the climate emergency.

·       The focus is on increased choices to deliver economic growth, which will in turn lead to more trips on the road network.

·       The TfN role is to act as a centre of excellence to bring people together, with evidence and enabling information, to demonstrate the need for service integration across all transport types.

Following this, comments and questions raised by the committee included:

·       The possibility of developing the rail network in the West of North Yorkshire, for example developing the existing Clitheroe to Hellifield route as opposed to the SELRAP Skipton to Colne project.

·       The need for transport investment in coastal communities is desperately needed, along with improved connectivity.

·       The need to prioritise East-West connectivity from Liverpool to Hull and the Yorkshire coast and focus on upgrading the existing road and rail infrastructure already in place.

·       It was asked whether Local Development Plans are considered by Transport for the North as part of formulating policy and plans. It was confirmed they were.

·       The importance of having shovel ready transport infrastructure schemes if additional funding is released as a result of devolution powers was emphasised.

·       A Member suggested a direct train connection between Manchester/Leeds and Scarborough to coincide with morning and evening rush hour.

Resolved – That the presentation be noted and members encouraged to feed in views to the Transport for the North - Strategic Transport Plan public consultation.