Transport partnership welcomes devolution plans
A TRANSPORT partnership championing better road and rail links across the Midlands has welcomed proposed legislation that could see it given formal powers over strategic transport schemes and investment.
The Government has announced that as part of its devolution agenda it would enable Sub-national Transport Bodies (STBs) to be set up in those areas of England that want them.
Midlands Connect was recently given £5m by the Government to develop a transport strategy to help equip the Midlands to become the UK’s Engine for Growth.
The partnership said the Government’s announcement on STBs paved the way for the existing collaboration of Midland business and political leaders to move to a formal, statutory status.
Cllr Jon Collins, co-chair of the Midlands Connect Partnership and leader of Nottingham City Council, said: “We welcome this announcement and we will now sit down together and with Government to explore the options.
“Our existing partnership arrangements have already proved successful in raising the profile of the Midlands with Government. Moving to a more formal arrangement may help us speak with one voice on transport and open up some good opportunities in terms of having far more control and influence over the development of our infrastructure.
“Ultimately that could help ensure we have the transport links needed to support economic growth and jobs and secure the maximum benefits possible from HS2.”
Sir Albert Bore, out-going leader of Birmingham City Council and Midlands Connect co-chair, added: “The Midlands is the UK’s manufacturing heartland but suffers transport challenges that can impact on our competitiveness.
“That’s why Midlands Connect is drawing up a region-wide transport strategy to help meet those challenges and unlock our full economic potential. This proposed legislation could bring the relevant parties together on a formal footing to develop that strategy, helping it to be co-ordinated and effective.”
Midlands Connect believes better road, rail and freight links are needed for the Midlands to fulfil its growth potential and help rebalance the UK economy as a whole.
The partnership is working to identify priorities for investment that will maximise economic growth potential by:
• Fully capitalising on the opportunities from HS2
• Addressing east-west Midlands connections- including for freight
• Considering connectivity via the region’s airports and ports
