Transport for the North’s (TfN) Chief Executive Martin Tugwell visited Cumbria this week as part of his journey around the North of England. During the visit, Martin saw how investment in its transport system can help realise Cumbria’s economic potential.
TfN’s new Chair Lord Patrick McLoughlin, joined Martin on the visit which began in Penrith to meet with local political and business leaders which included Chair of Cumbria Local Enterprise Partnership, Lord Inglewood and Cumbria County Council’s Cabinet Member for Highways and Transport, Cllr Keith Little to discuss the role of transport in delivering inclusive growth for Cumbria.
They were given an overview on the development of business cases for improvements to the Lakes Line and Cumbrian Coast Line. The visit also included a trip to the A66 to view the progress that has been made on the nationally important road that links the M6 at Penrith with the A1(M) at Scotch Corner in North Yorkshire.
The group then moved to Carlisle where they were joined by Cllr Stewart Young, Leader of Cumbria County Council and Cllr Peter Thornton, Deputy Leader of Cumbria County Council to discuss how TfN can support Cumbria on its Transport Infrastructure Plan, the Bus Improvement Plan and the Local Cycling and Walking Programme.
The meetings concluded with a visit to Carlisle Station where the group received an overview on the exciting plans being brought forward for the station as part of the Borderlands Inclusive Growth Deal.
Martin Tugwell, Chief Executive of Transport for the North, said: “The people living and working in the North deserve a transport network that will transform connectivity right across the region.
“Cumbria is more than just a much-loved visitor destination, it is also home to world-leading defence, energy, and advanced manufacturing industries. They have ambitious plans to enhance the connectivity of the region with improvements to the Lakes Line and Cumbrian Coast Line. Alongside these plans I have seen the progress of the work being carried out on the A66. These types of projects are vital if we are to unlock opportunity within Cumbria and across the North of England.
“We need to see that step change in terms of investment in our transport system so we can truly realise the economic potential of our region. Our Northern Transport Charter sets out our offer to Government that shows by strengthening our collaboration we can unlock the economic potential of Cumbria and the wider North.
“With further devolution we can work with Government to make real the levelling up agenda in a green accessible and sustainable way: with it we can build a new North to the benefit of our existing communities and for the generations to come.
Cllr Keith Little, Cumbria County Council’s Cabinet Member for Highways and Transport said: “We were delighted to welcome Martin and Lord Mcloughlin to Cumbria today.
“It is vitally important to have the opportunity to thoroughly discuss our plans, priorities and aspirations for improved transport connectivity to help unlock the economic potential of our county to attract new businesses and employers, which will in turn benefit our local communities.”
Launched at TfN’s Annual Conference last September, the Northern Transport Charter sets out a road map towards further long-term devolution to the North of transport related powers. These proposals are grouped around four key ambitions:
The Charter sets out how the people living and working in the North of England, as represented by the business and political leaders on the TfN Board are best placed to know what is in the long-term interests of the region.
At its heart, the NTC sets out evidence-based arguments for devolution to the regional level of long-term strategic transport investment funding and decision-making powers. It is not in itself primarily an argument for increased investment, but rather makes the case for empowering the North’s Leaders to exercise strategic leadership and ensure investment reflects the North’s agreed priorities.
Click on the cover to read the Charter in full:
