Greater Manchester’s transport chiefs are to tell the area’s 10 councils: ‘We don’t want your roads.’
Britain’s six passenger transport authorities were this week renamed integrated transport authorities (ITAs), as the first wave of reforms triggered by the Local Transport Act came into effect.
ITAs will take responsibility for city region-wide local transport plans, and city regions can begin a formal review process of the role of their ITAs.
The changes which can be considered include alterations to the boundaries of ITA areas, and the planning and development of city region highway and heavy rail networks. But while the 10 leaders of Greater Manchester Integrated Transport Authority – the new name for GMPTA – are still thinking about the handover, the ITA members have already decided that they can keep the roads.
Chairman, Councillor Matt Colledge, said: ‘That is not an area where we want to go. I do not think there is a clear desire from the districts to hand the power over. ‘And even if there was, would we really want to go out gritting the 10 districts’ roads at this time of year?’ At present, there is a voluntary arrangement, but the leaders will discuss a handover at a meeting of the Association of Greater Manchester Authorities next month.
The body’s deputy chairman, Manchester City Council leader, Sir Richard Leese, said: ‘We have got to decide if we would be happy if the highways powers we currently hold are taken over by an integrated transport authority. I am not saying I support the idea, but we have got to decide, and to have a look at any other options.’
GMPTA is currently controlled by a Conservative/Lib Dem coalition, with Labour the biggest party. Under the Act, it has powers to co-opt lay members who have not been elected.
Register now for full access
Register just once to get unrestricted, real-time coverage of the issues and challenges facing UK transport and highways engineers.
Full website content includes the latest news, exclusive commentary from leading industry figures and detailed topical analysis of the highways, transportation, environment and place-shaping sectors.
Use the link below to register your details for full, free access.
Already a registered? Login
