Sussex all on board with plans for ‘green transport revolution’

Transport for South East (TfSE) has submitted devolution proposals to the government designed to power-up the region’s economic recovery from the effects of Covid-19 and accelerate investment in sustainable transport as part of a 30-year strategy.

If agreed by the Transport Secretary and approved by Parliament, TfSE would become a statutory sub-national transport body.

This would give it direct influence over government decision-making on transport issues and the powers needed to deliver major improvements to the South East’s transport network.

The bid has the backing of the South East’s local authorities and local economic partnerships representing more than 7.5million people and 300,000 businesses.

Chambers of commerce, transport operators, ports, airports, protected landscapes and universities in the South East have also given their support.

Keith Glazier, chair of TfSE and leader of East Sussex County Council, said: “The South East is a true powerhouse for the UK economy, contributing more than any other region outside London. It’s the country’s principal international gateway for people and goods and drives productivity and prosperity across the UK.

“Our transport strategy sets out how investment in a more sustainable transport network will help our economy recover and grow, delivering a green transport revolution that will create jobs, boost quality of life and help cut carbon emissions to net-zero.

“Transport for the South East has quickly emerged as a powerful and effective partnership for our region, but delivering on our ambitions will require more than just partnership working.”

Roger Elkins, West Sussex County Council’s cabinet member for highways and infrastructure, said: “This is a significant moment for Transport for the South East and our strategy to meet the transport challenges we face in the region. We hope the Government will consider it favourably and devolve the necessary powers to deliver the strategy as part of the response to the Covid-19 pandemic.”

The powers TfSE is seeking would allow the partnership to:

• Develop and implement a Strategic Investment Plan for the region

• Act as ‘one voice’ for the South East in agreeing investment priorities with the Secretary of State for Transport

• Become a statutory partner in road and rail investment decisions

• Improve bus services for passengers and provide improved alternatives to car travel

• Coordinate the delivery of region-wide integrated smart ticketing

• Implement road charging schemes linked to Clean Air Zones to improve quality of life for people in the South East.

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