🚆 Transport Connectivity: North-west England

• Jo Platt emphasized the transport challenges in Leigh and Atherton, part of the commuter belt between Manchester and Liverpool. She pointed out the outdated road networks causing traffic congestion and the lack of rail or Metrolink connections, which exacerbate social isolation and hinder economic growth. She called for improved public transport and new road networks to enhance fairness and opportunity.

• Jim Shannon highlighted the impact of poor transport on social isolation, particularly in rural areas, and its effect on mental health.

• Lisa Smart focused on the need for more frequent and reliable rail services, better integration of public transport systems, and the extension of the Metrolink to areas like Stockport to reduce congestion and improve economic growth.

• Graham Stringer discussed the disparity in transport investment between the north-west and London, advocating for more investment in the north-west, particularly in light of the potential benefits compared to congestion in London.

• Lizzi Collinge addressed transport issues in Morecambe and Lunesdale, emphasizing the impact on rural areas and the need for better bus services, accessible train stations, and active travel initiatives.

• Patrick Hurley criticized the unreliable and expensive public transport in Southport, calling for better rail connectivity and the reinstatement of railway curves to improve travel options and stimulate economic growth.

• Jonathan Hinder focused on the rail issues in Pendle and Clitheroe, advocating for increased frequency, reduced journey times, and the reinstatement of a rail link to boost local economies.

• Navendu Mishra requested investment in Stockport’s rail infrastructure and highlighted the need for step-free access at stations to aid passengers with disabilities.

• Andrew Cooper discussed the systemic disadvantage faced by regions like Mid Cheshire due to investment disparities and called for a review of the Green Book to ensure fair allocation of infrastructure funding.

• Connor Naismith stressed the importance of Crewe as a transport hub and the need for new infrastructure to address capacity challenges on the west coast main line, lamenting the cancellation of HS2.

• David Baines shared concerns about cuts to bus services in St Helens and advocated for bus franchising to prioritize public need over profit, alongside improvements in rail accessibility.

• Kirith Entwistle called for extending the Metrolink to Bolton and improving overall transport to combat isolation and promote economic activity.

• Andy MacNae discussed the transport challenges in Rossendale and Darwen, urging for better road maintenance, bus services, and opportunities offered by the Green Book review and devolution.

• Sarah Russell highlighted the need for better transport infrastructure to match housing growth in Congleton, focusing on both roads and public transport.

• Michael Wheeler emphasized the importance of a well-connected transport system for economic growth in Worsley and Eccles, advocating for better public transport to reduce congestion.

• Sarah Hall pointed out the strategic location of Warrington South and the need for investment to match its growth, stressing the broader north-south transport investment divide.

• Phil Brickell discussed the lack of sustainable transport at new developments like Hulton Park, advocating for integrated planning of transport and housing.

• Tim Farron called for investment in transport infrastructure across the north-west, particularly in Cumbria, to address capacity issues and improve connectivity between regions.

• Jerome Mayhew acknowledged the devolution of transport policy but raised concerns about funding and the potential conflict between regional and national transport strategies, while also discussing the reallocation of HS2 funds.

• Simon Lightwood (Minister for Transport) outlined the government’s commitment to improving transport in the north-west through devolution, increased funding, and a focus on economic growth. He touched on initiatives like the Bee network, bus franchising, and rail accessibility improvements, and mentioned ongoing reviews of transport policies and investments.

The session on improving transport connectivity in the North West of England shows a moderate level of disagreement, primarily centered around policy approaches and the allocation of resources rather than contentious or personal disputes. The disagreements observed are more about different priorities and the effectiveness of different strategies rather than outright opposition to the general goal of improving transport connectivity. Here’s a detailed analysis:

1. Investment Priorities and Allocation: Several members expressed frustration over historical under-investment in the North West compared to London and the South East. For instance, Graham Stringer highlighted the disproportionate allocation of transport funds favoring London, stating that ‘more money is going into London and the south-east than the north-west’. This criticism implies a disagreement with past government allocations, though it is directed generally at the system rather than specifically at the current government’s approach.

2. HS2 Project: The High Speed 2 (HS2) rail project elicited varied opinions. Graham Stringer mentioned the need to continue campaigning for the Manchester-Birmingham rail link to improve capacity, which was supported by Lizzi Collinge who agreed that the main benefit of HS2 is capacity. In contrast, the shadow Minister, Jerome Mayhew, discussed the redirection of HS2 funds to other regional transport projects, indirectly questioning whether these funds should be used for existing improvements rather than reinstating the HS2 project.

3. Devolution and Governance: While the concept of devolution and empowering local leaders to manage transport was generally supported, the shadow Minister, Jerome Mayhew, raised concerns about potential conflicts between regional policy under devolution and national policy aims. This indicates a disagreement on the governance model and its implications rather than the end goal of enhanced transport connectivity.

4. Cost of Initiatives: The shadow Minister questioned the funding sources for various transport initiatives, including the Bee network and potential expansions elsewhere. He highlighted that while initiatives like the Bee network are positive, they come with significant costs that need to be addressed, suggesting a disagreement on the financial sustainability and prioritization of such initiatives.

5. Specific Local Issues: Various members brought up specific local transportation issues that reflect a demand for targeted solutions. For instance, Tim Farron discussed the need for improvements on the A66 and M6, and the importance of maintaining and possibly raising the bus fare cap. While these demands show differing priorities, they represent a broad consensus on the need for specific action, rather than deep disagreements.

Overall, the session indicates a moderate level of disagreement primarily concerning the methods, funding, and priorities for improving transport connectivity in the North West. The various contributions, while critical at times, are constructive and focused on enhancing transport infrastructure, suggesting that while there are differences in approach, the overarching goal remains shared among the participants.