Decision details

Robin Miller-Stott, Senior Policy and Strategy Officer, Transport for the North (TfN), gave a presentation on the current status of TfN and its Strategic Transport Plan.

The Committee was informed that with effect from April 2018, TfN would become the first Sub-National Transport Body in England, tasked with developing a Strategic Transport Plan to prioritise infrastructure investment in the North to drive transformational economic growth.

It was noted that the Rail North association of local authorities would become part of TfN, and would continue to work with the Department for Transport to co-manage the Northern and Trans-Pennine Express rail franchises.

The Committee was informed that TfN's Strategic Transport Plan (STP) would have a wide ranging and ambitious scope, setting out connectivity priorities across the North that would encourage and support business growth and help transform economic performance up to 2050.  The STP includes a number of Strategic Development Corridors with the aim of delivering required improvements on both the road and rail networks through a multi-modal investment programme.

The Committee commented on TfN's 'emerging vision for the Northern Powerhouse Rail Network', pointing out the importance of existing rail links and other geographic connectivity priorities that reflect economic links across the North.  The Committee also considered that it was important for the plan to recognise the importance of enabling people, as well as goods, to move rapidly and reliably around the North. 

Robin welcomed the feedback and advised that TfN would consider these issues and others raised through the forthcoming statutory three month consultation that will start in early January 2018 prior to finalising the STP in the New Year.

The Committee noted that a further progress report would be presented to the Transport for Lancashire Committee once the STP had been finalised.

Resolved:  That the Transport for the North update be noted.