Sheffield City Region to launch consultation on transport plans set to grow economy by £500m

Residents in the Sheffield City Region will be able to take part in a consultation on transport plans expected to grow the local economy by £500m.

The consultation on the updated Transport Strategy will be launched early in the New Year.

The Strategy aims to grow the economy by £500m by increasing the numbers of people able to get to work and education by public transport in just 30 minutes, to improve air quality, and to make sure the SCR benefits from the latest technologies.

Following the SCR Combined Authority’s agreement to publicly consult on its updated Transport Strategy, an online questionnaire will open on 8th January and remain open for responses until the end of March.

Responses can also be taken by post or email, with details posted after the New Year in transport and community points across the Region.

Transport for the North (TfN), which is set to become the country’s first sub-national statutory transport body, is also due to launch a consultation on its new draft Strategic Transport Plan early in the New Year.

The TfN plan outlines the transport infrastructure needed to transform the economy of the North over the next 30 years, in line with the Northern Powerhouse agenda, which covers the Sheffield City Region to the North East and from Liverpool to Hull.

The SCR Strategy reflects the changes in transport that have developed since the City Region’s 2011 transport plan, with the roles of the Combined Authority, Transport for the North, and the likely impact of HS2 and Northern Powerhouse Rail.

The Strategy outlines the region’s aim for improved connectivity to the wider North as a core part of the Northern Powerhouse; and sets out priorities for improving the City Region’s transport network through investment, building on its Infrastructure Fund programme.

Martin McKervey, a member of the SCR’s Local Enterprise Partnership, said “Our vision is to continue to be a forward-looking city region, with integrated transport connections that support economic growth and improve quality of life for all.

“I am delighted that we are launching this plan for consultation, so that we can get the public’s views before we start commissioning work. The Strategy will be refined based on the comments received.”

The strategy sets out four keys aims, which includes ensuring 90% of the population can reach a long-haul airport by public transport within 90 minutes, and bringing 70% of people living in the most deprived areas within a 30-minute journey on public transport to a town, employment areas or education.

It also sets out plans to adopt technologies by increasing transport-focussed R&D investment by £330m, and to increase productivity by £75m through reducing journey times and using technology-based efficiencies.

The consultation process will involve MPS, local authorities and parish councils; businesses; and train and bus operators and Peel airports.

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