Agenda item

To seek the Board’s approval to consult on TfN’s second Strategic Transport Plan

Lead: Tim Foster, Katie Day and Lucy Jacques

5.1          Members received the report of the Acting Head of Policy and Strategy.  The Interim Strategy and Programme Director, the Director of Strategy, Analysis and Communications and the Acting Head of Policy and Strategy highlighted the key points of the report, including consultation plans.  The Chair thanked the Interim Strategy and Programme Director for all his hard work for TfN over the past 7 years.

5.2          The Director of Strategy, Analysis and Communications thanked all partners for their contributions in helping to put together the Strategic Transport Plan (STP).  Members were informed that some further amendments may be necessary given recent announcements, and these would be addressed during the consultation period in discussion with relevant partners.

5.3          Mr John Hall thanked the team for the great work done on the STP and stated that he is looking forward to working with the Board on this during the consultation process.

5.4          The Chair suggested that the plan may want to reflect the recent devolution package announcements in Greater Manchester and the North East. Members were also informed that there would be plenty of time for their input during the consultation period.

5.5          Mayor Rotheram highlighted that Freeports had been omitted from the plan and suggested these should be referenced in the Plan; he also highlighted the strategic importance of areas like the Port of Liverpool. 

On the issue of freight he highlighted the lack of progress in moving freight off the roads and on to rail and suggested this should be an ask of Government otherwise there will be an increase in the number of HGVs on the road creating poorer air quality.  Cllr Swinburn was supportive of Mayor Rotheram’s comments on this matter.

5.6          Mayor Driscoll stressed that the cost of not doing this work will be very serious as not acting will have major impacts on people’s lives.  He stated that he would like to undertake a Citizen’s Assembly on transport if the timings can work.

5.7          Mayor Brabin was pleased that the plan will have deliverables whilst Cllr Gittins requested that once the plan has been ratified she would like to see some deliverables that can be quickly actioned and a line within the plan stating what will be done within the first 100 days.

Mayor Brabin also raised the issue of the Leeds Study and requested Transport for the North’s support on this matter.

5.8          Mayor Coppard welcomed direction of travel and highlighted the prominence that buses play within the plan but expressed frustration that Doncaster/Sheffield airport had not been specifically mentioned and requested its inclusion as he believes that may help the case to get it re-opened.

5.9          Mayor Burnham was pleased to see that health has been included within the plan, but requested greater clarity between strategic and local plans as the organisation will benefit from a clearer articulation where strategic ends and local begins. 

5.10       The Chair reminded the Board to let the executive know of events in constituent areas where Transport for the North might do a presentation on the draft STP during the consultation period.

5.11       Cllr Duncan explained that he understands the issues in rural areas but was unsure as to what the solutions are.

5.12       Mr. Peter Kennan stated that the economic geography extends beyond the North and connections to other places outside of the North are just as important.  He requested Transport for the North’s support in ensuring that these links are developed and maintained.

5.13       Cllr Ieronimo stressed the importance of delivering tangibles to residents and businesses and highlighted the importance of making simple changes on rail that will have a real impact for relatively low cost.

5.14       The Director of Strategy, Analysis and Communications stated that the narrative coming through the draft Plan is that this is ‘transport for the North.’  She also stated that there is an opportunity to bring out the importance of freeports and ports through the plan as well as develop the policy position on freight and logistics on this. She noted that final amendments will be made to the plan, ahead of consultation, address these points; and noted that consultation will enable discussions on the boundaries of local and strategic, and whether recent Government announcements need to be referenced.

Resolved:

1)   That that Board approves the draft STP for statutory consultation.

 

2)   That Board notes the arrangements for finalising and publishing the remaining elements of the evidence base set out at Section 5. This includes the independent Integrated Sustainability Appraisal (ISA) undertaken alongside the development of the STP.

 

3)   That Board approves arrangements for undertaking the statutory consultation.

          

4)   That Board notes the proposed approach to communications and engagement.