The Government has called for ideas to support its vision for more joined up and locally led transport across England.
Transport Secretary Louise Haigh has outlined her plans for a new Integrated National Transport Strategy, the first in a quarter of a century, that will adopt a ‘people first approach’ to getting people around the country.
Recognising that different passengers have different needs, and the quality of transport varies across the country, the strategy will set out how government can support local areas to make all forms of transport work together better. Examples of existing systems include the Bee Network in Greater Manchester, which brings together bus, metro and active travel under one name, along with Transport for London.
The Department for Transport is also reforming its appraisal system, so that projects deliver good value for money as well as the right outcomes – such as more jobs, improved access to education and healthier communities. These reforms include giving sufficient weight to transport projects that enhance access to jobs, boost productivity, and help businesses grow, particularly in less affluent areas.
To support this, an internal panel of experts are also reviewing the department’s capital spend portfolio, to drive better economic outcomes in the UK transport system.
The Department for Transport will also recruit a new Integrated Transport Commissioner to help deliver real change.
The Transport Secretary said: “Integrated transport in this country is lagging behind our European counterparts, and for too long our fragmented transport networks have stunted economic growth and made it harder for people to get around.
“Today, I’m launching a new national vision of transport that seamlessly joins all modes of transport together, and puts people at the heart of our transport system.
“I want everyone to be able to contribute to this vision and have launched a call for ideas on how the strategy can best deliver greater opportunity, healthier communities and better lives.”
A call for ideas to support the strategy is now open and will run until 11.59pm on 30 January 2025.
Regional roadshows will be hosted around the country to hear more from local leaders, transport operators and passenger bodies, as well as taking feedback from the public, to hear how to best deliver integrated transport.
James Lancaster, chair of the Urban Mobility Partnership, said: “We look forward to working constructively with the Secretary of State and her team to deliver an integrated transport strategy that encourages the use of multi-modal solutions for all journeys – prioritising the right modes for the right journeys for the right consumer.”
He added: “A well-designed, efficient, and accessible transport system will not only enhance connectivity but also drive economic growth by better linking people to workplaces, schools, shops and social spaces.”
But Logistics UK said the strategy is “missing half the picture” and that the final strategy must recognise the critical role logistics plays in supporting our communities and economy.
Head of cities and infrastructure policy Jonathan Walker said: “The lack of mention of freight in what purports to be a vision for an Integrated National Transport Strategy is deeply disappointing. The UK needs a genuinely integrated transport strategy that meets the needs of the travelling public while facilitating the efficient movement of freight, which is critical for driving growth throughout the economy and delivering the goods that consumers and businesses rely on every day.
“Logistics UK has identified the key transport corridors and critical routes for investment and is pressing the Treasury and the Department for Transport to use our research for formally identifying the UK’s Logistics Network and use this as the basis of a 30-year infrastructure strategy.
“The Transport Secretary has rightly highlighted the need to reform the appraisal system to give sufficient weight to transport projects that enhance access to jobs, boost productivity, and help businesses grow and these are areas where the logistics sector has extensive experience. Around 8% of the nation’s workforce work in logistics and the sector contributes £185bn to the economy which means that, if appraisals are properly reformed, the result should be greater investment in the UK’s critical supply chain infrastructure. We will continue to work with the Government to achieve a truly integrated network to keep people moving and keep Britain trading.”
