Region asks Whitehall to back initiatives

14 February 2008

A major study of the North East’s transport needs is being undertaken by the regional assembly in a bid to finally convince the Government to back its plans.

There is growing concern over the Government’s continued refusal to give the go ahead for a range of initiatives prioritised by the assembly in its spatial strategy.

These are the long-awaited dualling of the A1, high-speed rail links to the region, rail improvements to help develop the container port at Teesport, and a continuation of the M1 motorway north to Newcastle.

But the Government has shown no enthusiasm for any of the initiatives, and has now said the North East does not suffer as serious transport problems as other regions in the country, such as congestion in the South East.

Phil Jones, planning manager for the North East Assembly, told Surveyor: ‘It is true that the North East does not suffer from some of the congestion issues faced elsewhere, but our argument is an economic one.

‘Good transport links are essential to enable this region to attain its economic aspirations and close the gap between prosperity in the North and the South.’

He said the assembly was working with the regional development agency, OneNorthEast, on a major study to highlight transport priorities for the second round of regional funding allocation later this year.

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Region asks Whitehall to back initiatives

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