Evidence Session

Strategic Transport Objectives

Wednesday 31 January, 09.30, Committee Room 15, Westminster

Watch live on Parliamentlive.tv

Greater Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham will be questioned by the Transport Committee alongside representatives of regional bodies who help shape transport policy.

The Committee will examine the role that local and regional bodies play in decision making, either through consultation or using devolved powers. Announcements and planning around Network North and
Northern Powerhouse Rail are likely to be raised as examples.

Included in the two panels will also be spokespeople for local government, Transport for the North, Urban Transport Group and the countryside charity CPRE.

The session forms part of the cross-party Committee’s inquiry into
Strategic
Transport Objectives, where MPs are investigating how objectives – such as boosting connectivity, economic growth or reducing emissions – influence the state’s planning and investment in services and infrastructure.

The witnesses will be asked to comment on the Government’s strategic transport objectives, whether they are the correct ones, and how well those objectives are reflected in planning and appraisal processes.

There will be questions about the balance of power held over transport policy between the national, regional and local government, how effectively different layers of government coordinate, and the outcomes this creates.

The two panels will also be asked for their views on the potential for further devolution to regions of the country, including urban and rural areas.

Mr Burnham’s recent bus service franchising in Greater Manchester, and complexities around introducing Clean Air Zones, are also likely to be discussed.

Witness schedule from 09:30:  

· Jason Prince, Director, Urban Transport Group

· Councillor Louise Gittens, Leader, Cheshire West and Chester Council; board member, Transport for the North

· Paul Miner, Head of Policy and Planning, CPRE, the countryside charity

From 10:30: 

· Rt Hon Andy Burnham, Mayor, Greater Manchester Combined Authority

· Martin Tugwell, Chief Executive, Transport for the North