Issue - meetings

To consider and comment on the core narrative and key messages for the Strategic Transport Plan.

Lead:  Lucy Jacques

6.1          Members received the report from the Acting Head of Policy and Strategy who then highlighted the key points within the report.

Additionally, the Chief Executive explained that the Board will be given a comprehensive outline of the communications and engagement that will underpin the consultation process when it considers the draft for consultation.

6.2          Mr. Mark Rawstron raised suggested that simplification of procurement as well as funding streams would aid implementation, noting that different methods of procurement can lead to barriers to progress.  He also requested that the private sector be referenced for engagement and that there should be an Executive Summary at the start of the plan which will give clarity of message at the start of the plan.

6.3          In relation to section 5.1d of the report Cllr Gittins requested that something on the linkage with devolved nations should be included.

6.4          Regarding operational issues on the rail network, Ms. Lucy Winskell requested that existing resources be built upon when considering where the proposed rail academy for the North should be.  She highlighted two existing facilities in the North East that are equipped for this and that they could be used as a platform to build from.

6.5          Mayor Burnham raised the issue of Strategic Transport Planning and Local Transport planning and requested greater clarity on this issue in order that there can be an understanding on where local transport planning ends and strategic planning begins.

Additionally, he provided his support for TfN and informed the Board that in a recent meeting with the Secretary of State he informed him that TfN needs to be given pre-eminence again.  He added that the City Regions and rural areas are the foundations of the system and TfN then builds above that; he hoped the revised Plan will set out the role of TfN and strengthen the position of the organisation with the Government and the DfT.

6.6          The Chief Executive reassured the Board that in relation to Mayor Burnham’s comments the revised STP will set out where the added value is and where the strategic position supports and complements the local and city regions.  He stated that Members’ comments will be worked into the plan.

Resolved:

1)   That Board endorses the proposed overarching narrative for STP2;

2)   That Board agrees the proposed key priorities and messages in the report;

3)   That Board notes the next steps.

To consider the report of the Acting Head of Policy and Strategy and to receive an update on the development of the Strategic Transport Plan.

Lead: Lucy Jacques

7.1             Members received the report from the Interim Head of Policy who highlighted the key elements of her report and presentation.

7.2          The Chair raised the issue of Combined Authorities commitments and stated that North Yorkshire will be required to have an area transport system comparable to Transport for London in 10 years and stated that the timelines of TfN and those of Combined Authorities are not aligned

The Interim Head of Policy stated that when developing a strategic plan for a multitude of areas then there will be a challenge in marrying these different dates up. She stated that the STP is a long term vision and the 2050 end state has been widely agreed with partners and is considered critical to enabling a plan to be brought forward that is both aspirational but also intentional to set out longer term priorities beyond government political cycles. This is a critical to the argument regarding funding.  She explained that as part of the STP2 objectives TfN are looking to set interim milestones for 2030 that complement the long term ambition but more clearly articulate where we need to be in the short – medium term. 

The Chair requested that there be a recognition of the earlier dates that Combined Authorities have in order that credibility will not be with local partners.  He suggested that within the policy TfN may wish to say that the policy for the Combined Authorities is different.  The Interim Head of Policy agreed and explained it will be clear in the document that while STP2 sets the pan regional targets, local and combined authorities own plans and strategies will vary.

7.3          Cllr O’Hara asked how much the STP is linked into the development of local transport plans.

The Interim Head of Strategy stated that work has been taking place with officers and partners on this to make sure that these documents complement each other as integration between national, regional and local level is key to delivering the outcomes that everyone wants.

7.4          Cllr Davison made a number of points around the practicalities of transitioning away from the car in order to travel from A to B.

The Interim Head of Strategy was confident that Cllr Davison’s points could be picked up in the final plan and explained there are a number of workstreams at TfN that explore this in more detail including the emerging work on Clean Mobility Visions, and suggested that the Committee might  want to consider whether it should be considered on a future agenda.

7.5          Cllr Salter raised the issue of poor public transport in rural areas and provision of transport for younger and older people in rural areas.

7.6          The Chair stated that it is important that the permanent population is  recognised in the bedrock of the plan.  He also highlighted the infrastructure issues particularly those relating to energy should be included as this infrastructure is required in order to support the plans.  He also stated that there needs to be a  ...  view the full minutes text for item 7