Labour has won the 2024 UK general election, winning – at the time of publication – 412 seats of the 650 total (648 seats currently declared) in one of the largest victories in British political history.
Posting on X, party leader and newly-elected prime minister Sir Keir Starmer said: “We said we will stop the chaos. And we will. We said we will turn the page. And we have. The work of change begins today.”
With the majority threshold set at 326 seats, the newly incumbent Labour government has the authority to bring many of its campaign promises and pledges to fruition – but what does this mean for the UK transport sector?
Looking at the months and years ahead under Kier Starmer’s leadership, City Transport & Traffic Innovation Magazine (CiTTi Magazine) reflects on the transport policies shared within the Labour party manifesto…
- Fix an additional one million potholes across England each year of the next parliament.
- Support the transition to electric vehicles by accelerating the rollout of chargepoints and restoring the phase-out date of 2030 for new cars with internal combustion engines.
- Overhaul Britain’s railways, bringing them into public ownership as existing contracts expire or are broken.
- Great British Railways will deliver a unified system focusing on reliable, affordable, high-quality, and efficient services.
- Promote and grow the use of rail freight and create a tough new passenger watchdog to drive up standards.
- Reform the bus system by providing new powers for local leaders to franchise local bus services and lifting the ban on municipal ownership.
- Give local communities control over routes and schedules, improving reliability and accessibility.
- Empower mayors to create unified and integrated transport systems, promoting seamless journeys and active travel networks.
- Develop a long-term strategy for transport infrastructure to ensure efficient and timely delivery.
- Tackle congestion and promote active travel networks, ensuring infrastructure meets the needs of modern transportation demands.
“Through these policies and promises, the Labour party is aiming for a comprehensive overhaul, emphasising public ownership and long-term planning,” said CiTTi Magazine editor-in-chief John Thornton.
“Its policies focus on integrating transport systems, supporting local control, and ensuring sustainable development.
“Labour’s approach also reflects a desire to correct perceived neglect and mismanagement by the previous Conservative government, aiming for a more equitable and efficient transport network.
“And yet, while Labour’s comprehensive approach is promising, it could face significant financial and logistical hurdles, particularly in achieving public ownership of railways and extensive infrastructure projects.”
Following Labour’s victory, Keir Starmer’s government will likely see many of the shadow cabinet members transitioning to official ministerial roles.
The shadow secretary of state for transport, Louise Haigh, is expected to take on the role of transport secretary.
Haigh has been a prominent figure in Labour’s transportation policy discussions and has previously outlined plans for substantial investments in public transport infrastructure and a renewed focus on sustainable transportation solutions.
What’s more, Haigh has been vocal about prioritising the development of a comprehensive and long-term transportation strategy aimed at enhancing connectivity across the UK, particularly in underserved regions such as the North of England.
This includes includes improvements to rail services, increased funding for local transport projects, and policies to support the transition to electric vehicles and greener public transportation options.
- Look out for more coverage of the general election result and industry expectations of the newly elected government from CiTTi Magazine in the weeks to come.
Achievements and innovations in urban transport will be celebrated at the third annual CiTTi Awards, which will be held on 26 November 2024 at De Vere Grand Connaught Rooms in London. Nominations are open now! Please visit www.cittiawards.co.uk to learn more about this unmissable event for the UK’s transportation sector
