Transport for the North’s (TfN) Chief Executive Martin Tugwell continued his journey around the North of England by visiting Lancashire earlier this week.
During the visit, Martin set out how TfN’s Northern Transport Charter (NTC) can help unlock the county’s economic potential, and in particular the key role that investment in its transport system has to play.
The tour began at the Preston Western Distributor where Martin met with the Leader of Lancashire County Council Phillippa Williamson and the Cabinet Member for Highways and Transport Councillor Charlie Edwards, to see first-hand how work is progressing on the major new road which will link Preston and southern Fylde to the M55 motorway. During the tour Martin also visited the proposed Cottam Parkway railway station site.
This was followed by a visit to Preston railway station where discussions took place on other pan-Lancashire transport schemes followed by a journey to Morecambe to visit the site of the proposed Eden Project North.
Throughout the day, discussions also took place on how TfN can support Lancashire to continue to press for improved connectivity with the rest of the North in support of the economy.
Martin Tugwell, Chief Executive of Transport for the North, said: “The North deserves a transport network that will transform connectivity right across the region.
“Projects such as the Preston Western Distributor and the proposed Cottam Parkway railway station are great examples of investment that will improve connectivity to the benefit of residents and businesses alike.
“In order to truly realise the economic potential of our region, there needs to be a step change in terms of investment in our transport system. Our Northern Transport Charter sets out our offer to Government that shows by strengthening our collaboration we can unlock the economic potential of Lancashire and the wider North.
“With further devolution we can work with Government to close the North-South divide and make real the levelling up agenda in a green accessible and sustainable way: with it we can build a new north of England to the benefit of our existing communities and for the generations to come.”
County Councillor Phillippa Williamson, Leader of Lancashire County Council, said: “Working with our public and private sector partners we are delivering new opportunities through major strategic sites and key infrastructure. These regionally, nationally, and internationally significant developments will shape and transform Lancashire’s identity for many years to come, bringing thousands of new jobs, increased investment, and skills.
“It was fantastic to welcome Martin and visit some of our key projects. We are looking forward to continuing our work together to bring further funding and transport improvements to Lancashire in the future.”
Launched at TfN’s Annual Conference last September, the NTC 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:
