Councils join forces in bid to transform transport across south-east
COUNCILS across the south-east have joined forces in a bid to transform transport across the region.
Sixteen local authorities – including Hampshire County Council and Southampton, Portsmouth and the Isle of Wight – are set to work together to deliver transport schemes and liaise with government to decide how money is spent across the region, writes Maria Zaccaro of the Local Democracy Reporting Service.
It comes as the so-called Transport for the South East group (TfSE) has bid to government to become a statutory sub-national transport body.
If parliament approves the move, the TfSE will work on a transport and investment plan for the region.
It will also be able to become a statutory partner in road and rail investment decisions, coordinate the delivery of region-wide integrated smart ticketing, and work to improve bus services and provide improved alternatives to cars.
Highway bosses said they will be able to speak as “one voice for the south-east” in agreeing investment priorities with the transport secretary.
It could mean extra focus on local transport schemes such as the £25m emergency repairs required for the Redbridge causeway linking the New Forest to Southampton, or the bid to reopen the Waterside railway to passenger services.
Cllr Rob Humby, HCC cabinet member for economy, transport and environment, said: “An effective, high-quality transport network is vital for the future economic prospects of Hampshire and those who live and work here.
“It is ever more important for our recovery from the coronavirus pandemic, and essential if we are to take this opportunity to build back better, deliver initiatives, and innovate to meet our ambitious carbon reduction targets.
“Hampshire and the wider south-east is a gateway to international trade, is a net contributor to the national economy and deserving of a fair share of national investment.”
Cllr Keith Glazier, chair of Transport for the South East, said: “Statutory status will mean we can work with government to decide how and where money is spent on our region’s transport network and give us the powers we need to accelerate schemes and projects which are better for people, better for business and better for the planet.”
