United front in bid for better transport

Jul 14 2008 by Adrian Pearson, The Journal

TRANSPORT bosses will be forced to consult with Northern city leaders in a deal which will see improvements to the Western bypass and routes around the Tyne Tunnel.

Bodies like The Highways Agency and train operators are today preparing to sit down with Government officers and set a three-year series of improvements as council leaders head to London to sign the Multi Area Agreement (MAA).

The five Tyne and Wear councils will for the first time have Government backing in their bid to improve rail connections and essential routes into North city regions.

Newcastle Council leader John Shipley has already said he hopes the MAA could be the first step towards London- style transport powers for the region.

As a result of the MAA, the Government will put pressure on its transport heads to look again at solving congestion hotspots in Tyne and Wear, in exchange for councils promising to pool their efforts in creating jobs and boosting the local economy.

Both sides are intent on creating a powerful new city-region, but partnership director Peter O’Brien has insisted they will avoid the Teesside example where a “senate” of council leaders is to be formed. The contract will also focus council efforts on increasing employment and tackling the skills shortage in the region.

Sunderland leader Paul Watson, chair of the Tyne and Wear city region executive, said the contract was a “unique opportunity”.

He added: “While the MAA submission represents the culmination of months of detailed work by the city region partnership, we recognise that this is only the first stage of a long-term programme. City Region partners are committed to working with Government to ensure that the proposals in our MAA are delivered and that the outcomes we are seeking to achieve – more of our people equipped with the skills to obtain quality jobs and a transport infrastructure that supports and does not hinder prosperity – are realised.”

The contact has won the support of business leaders, with the North East Chamber of Commerce welcoming the proposals.

James Ramsbotham, chief executive at the Chamber, said: “Transport and skills are the two biggest issues highlighted by businesses in the North East, so we’re excited by the prospect of new initiatives in these areas which could really drive the economy forward.

“The chance to address the improvements needed to the strategic road network will be particularly welcomed by businesses and we’re looking forward to playing our part to make sure we grasp this new opportunity for the city region.”

Today, Communities Secretary Hazel Blears will put her name to the contract at a signing session in London.

Ms Blears said: “Some of the issues that make the biggest difference to local people don’t respect local boundaries...

“If they really want to make a big difference, councils need to come together.”

FOCUS ON IMPROVEMENTS

THE transport arrangements included in the Multi Area Agreement could solve a congestion problem already holding back Tyneside development.

North Tyneside mayor John Harrison is currently trying to force the Highways Agency to speed up funding for the Silverlink roundabout and A19, near the Tyne Tunnel.

The mayor is hoping the new contract will lead to a new focus prioritising the much-needed improvements.

Mr Harrison said: "The A19 corridor has already attracted major employers such as Procter and Gamble, Orange and GE Finance to the borough, bringing with them thousands of new jobs.

"But early improvements to major routes, and in particular, the Silverlink road junction in North Tyneside, are essential to the region’s economy and motorists.

"The junction of the A19 trunk road and the A1058 is near to capacity – dealing with nearly 55,000 vehicles in a 12-hour period – and needs to be improved prior to the opening of the second Tyne Tunnel in 2011.

"This is an issue of importance not just to North Tyneside, but also the region as a whole."

To sign the mayor’s petition calling on the Highways Agency to look again at the A19, go to www.northtyneside.gov.uk