Northern transport consultation
The need for a joined-up approach to infrastructure is at the centre of ICE’s response to Transport for the North’s recent and extensive consultation.
Contents |
[edit] Introduction
In May 2018, ICE submitted a supportive response to Transport for the North’s (TfN) ‘Draft Strategic Transport Plan’ consultation. It outlines how enhancing capacity, connectivity and reliability will raise economic productivity and improve quality of life across the North of England.
TfN as a sub-national transport body has now received statutory status. This is an important milestone that enables TfN to determine transport investment priorities and how the capital that it is allocated is spent.
[edit] ICE’s consultation response
To provide TfN with even greater strategic independence, ICE’s consultation response emphasises the need for the organisation to raise its own capital in the future.
To ensure long-term success there are also a number of steps that TfN should take. For example, promoting and helping to facilitate the development of an over-arching infrastructure strategy for the North. Recognising that transport networks are inherently interlinked to the wider built environment sector and that a joined up approach to infrastructure delivery and management will deliver the best outcomes for users is critical.
Careful planning to ensure that the North of England is ready for HS2 is necessary if the region is to maximise the economic benefits of its arrival. This means undertaking thorough work to identify the most effective options – in agglomeration terms – for linking Northern Powerhouse Rail with HS2.
There is also a need for TfN to consider the role of new technologies in the development of the North’s transport networks in the future, while ensuring that key improvements to current transport provision are carried out to plan. This includes planning for the digitisation of rail, the very realistic prospect of autonomous vehicles and the development of mobility as a service platforms.
Read ICE’s full consultation response.
[edit] Producing the final Strategic Transport Plan
TfN’s consultation was extensive, encompassing 34 public events over a 13-week period and many written responses were expected by the April deadline. TfN is now faced with the huge task of trawling through each response as it prepares to publish its final plan by the end of 2018.
ICE will continue to support TfN as it seeks to make transformational improvements to transport across the North.
We will also continue to champion the greater devolution of powers over infrastructure to similar organisations – in the belief that doing so can improve the delivery, integration and overall performance of key infrastructure networks.
This article was originally published here on 9 May 2018 by ICE. It was written by Ben Goodwin, ICE Lead Policy Manager.
--The Institution of Civil Engineers
[edit] Related articles on Designing Buildings Wiki
Featured articles and news
Prioritising tax considerations.
Reviewing the Double Diamond Design model
The four D creative process: discover, define, develop and deliver.
National Cyber Security Centre initiative is announced.
The impact of COVID-19 on global HVAC&R markets
Reviewing trends and projections.
Legislation will establish initiatives to move towards net zero.
Status determination statement
How to document contractor employment status.
Social distancing goes high tech
Tech tools to help manage people and space post-pandemic.
Eclectic Edwardian architecture
A style that ranges from mock Tudor to arts and crafts to the 'Wrenaissance'.
Free guide from Secured by Design.
Building Back Better: Circularity
BREEAM strategy for sustainability and the circular economy.
Free tool to improve the construction programming process.
Building services verification
Are buildings doing what they're supposed to be doing?
Cities with quick access to everything by foot or bike.
The pressures and pinch points of global destinations.