The Government this week gave its support to transport priorities identified by English regions. The Department for Transport has confirmed it is ‘content’ with the proposals which set out the regions’ transport priorities over the next 10 years.

The proposals include major programmes of bus-priority improvements in Tyne & Wear and Tees Valley (Northeast); an increased allocation for the Pennine Reach scheme in Blackburn (Northwest); widening of the A453 between the M1 and Nottingham (East Midlands); and the new bus rapid transit route in Bristol (Southwest).

It also includes the creation of a regional infrastructure fund of £25M to support transport schemes related to growth in the Southwest.