North to get new transport powers

Transport Minister Jesse Norman has announced the government is set to devolve transport powers to regions, with the North becoming the first to benefit from the pioneering legislation.

Underlining the government’s commitment to the Northern Powerhouse, the new powers will allow regions to make transport investment decisions themselves.

TfN will be given unprecedented powers in this move to transform TfN into the first ever statutory sub-national transport body – with legal powers and duties.

TfN – backed with up to £260M of government funding – will transform transport across the North of England, providing the infrastructure needed to drive economic growth and create jobs and boost skills. The move to put TfN on a statutory footing means that its recommendations must be formally considered by the government.

The news follows the award of £18.5M from a £150M government fund for TfN’s smart ticketing programme. TfN will use this to introduce paperless, smart card season tickets for Northern and TransPennine Express and Merseyrail passengers by the end of 2018.

Transport Minister Jesse Norman said: “We are committed to the Northern Powerhouse, and to giving the great towns and cities of the North more say over transport investment through their umbrella body TfN. This government is investing the most cash for a generation in transport projects for the North. These new powers will give TfN far greater influence over national infrastructure decisions, as well the certainty they need to plan and drive forward projects such as Northern Powerhouse Rail and smart ticketing.”

Northern Powerhouse Minister Jake Berry said: “We are investing a record £13 billion in transport in the North of England – more than any government in history. As part of this, TfN will be a game-changer, with powers to speak with one voice on northern transport projects and drive forward ambitious plans to improve transport connections and unlock economic growth across the Northern Powerhouse.”

Independent Chair of TfN John Cridland said: “TfN gaining statutory status is an important step towards transforming the North of England and giving it the voice and powers it needs to move forward. To have the statutory instrument laid before Parliament is a tremendous achievement, having secured the support of 56 local authorities including all 19 of our constituent authorities. We look forward to continuing to work closely with our partners to transform the region’s infrastructure and grow the UK economy.

“Becoming a sub-national transport body means that the Secretary of State of the day will take into account the North’s priorities when making transport infrastructure investment. These priorities will be developed collaboratively and we are currently working with our partners to finalise the draft strategic transport plan, which will be published for public consultation early next year. This is a 30-year transport strategy for the North that will help drive economic growth in the region and help to rebalance the UK economy – statutory status will ensure this plan is considered as a formal statutory document that can provide a solid, evidenced-based framework for transport investment in the North over the coming decades.”

 

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