Member Article

Highways England and TfGM sign MoU joining forces for Greater Manchester

Highways England and Transport for Greater Manchester (TfGM) have signed a ‘Memorandum of Understanding’ (MoU) which will see them work in partnership.

The move follows the formation of Highways England earlier this year, a government-owned company with a five-year budget of over £11 billion to invest in England’s motorways and major A roads.

The new joint document aims to support economic growth in the region over the next 20 years.

Graham Dalton, Chief Executive of Highways England, and Jon Lamonte, Chief Executive of TfGM, put pen to paper at an official signing in London.

Graham Dalton said: “Greater Manchester is one of the biggest metropolitan areas in the country so it’s vital that we work together to ensure it has a world-class road network to support the economy

“Over £200 million is already being invested on creating a smart motorway on a section on the M60 and M62, and we need to make sure that the work taking place there complements other improvements on local roads.

“Our research shows that for every pound we spend on England’s roads, it generates four pounds in long-term economic benefits.

“I’m therefore delighted we’ve been able to agree this new partnership with Transport for Greater Manchester to develop the region’s road network and help support its future success.”

Chief Executive of TfGM, Dr Jon Lamonte, said: “Having a clear, strategic approach to the management of highways across a city-region as large and complex as Greater Manchester – and making sure it works in tandem with tram, train and bus services – is absolutely essential to keep it growing and moving.

“As such, it is excellent news that we have been able to agree this new partnership with Highways England, which represents a key piece of the jigsaw in terms of making travel easier in Greater Manchester and allowing the region to fulfil its economic potential.”

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Sophia Taha .