Transport for the North’s (TfN) 12-week public consultation on its revised Strategic Transport Plan (STP) for the North of England has now closed.
Due to be published in early 2024, the STP outlines the proposed vision for the North’s transport network, supported by three strategic ambitions: transforming economic performance, decarbonisation of the transport network and reducing transport-related social exclusion.
The final STP is intended to lay the foundations for the transport infrastructure investment for the North for decades to come.
Katie Day, strategy, analysis and communications director at Transport for the North, said: “We are very grateful to the public for playing such an active part in this consultation. We’ve had some really positive sessions and some great questions about the STP.”
According to a statement from TfN, hundreds of comments and views were provided during the consultation. These were provided via in-person events in Manchester, Leeds and Newcastle, online workshops, the virtual consultation room and various stakeholder meetings.
Day continued: “We’ve been able to acknowledge people’s concerns about transport connectivity, access, and infrastructure in the North.
“The next step for us is to analyse all the responses to gain a comprehensive view of consistent themes.”
Comments and responses covered a range of matters, from the importance of local bus services, to moving more freight from road to rail, to taking action on transport decarbonisation and affordability.
“We must use the plan as a means of ensuring the North has an efficient, high-quality, interconnected and decarbonised transport system by 2050 that connects people and places with services and opportunities, and champions for investment that will transform transport infrastructure for the North.”
