The British Prime Minister Boris Johnson has unveiled the strategy to boost transport connectivity across and between the whole of the country through improved transport infrastructure which will also recover the economy which has faced coronavirus pandemic challenges.
“It’s now time to build back better in a way that brings every corner of the UK closer together. We will harness the incredible power of infrastructure to level up parts of our country that have too long been left off the transport map,” Boris Johnson said.
To integrate the four nations of the United Kingdom, Sir Peter Hendy the Chair of Network Rail was tasked by the Prime Minister with exploring ways in which transport can better connect the whole country.
The measures were announced following the Peter Hendy’s interim report published on 10 March 2021 which highlights the way transport connectivity across the UK can be improved in order to support the government’s aim to build a stronger and fairer economy for the future.
The report sets out how a UK Strategic Transport Network would help deliver this ambition. Such a network would significantly expand and upgrade direct transport connections in the UK across road, rail, sea and air, helping to reduce delays and bottlenecks, and stimulate economic growth. Improving rail links helps cut carbon emissions and so, as well as considering how transport links can better connect the UK, the Prime Minister will consider their environmental and social impact taking into account how they will improve the quality of life of the people that use them.
The final report will be submitted to the government in summer 2021 and will make a series of recommendations for future investment in transport between the nations of the UK.
“Devolution has been good for transport, but it has also led to a lack of attention to connectivity between the 4 nations, due to competing priorities and complex funding,” Peter Hendy said.
The government has announced a GBP 20 million (EUR 23.3 million) investment to explore the development of rail, road, sea and air connections. On rail sector, the projects consider improved rail connectivity between the north coast of Wales and England, faster rail links from England to Scotland, including the options to enhance the West Coast Main Line, as well as rail improvements in south-east Wales.
The government will receive the final union connectivity review recommendations ahead of the Spending Review, where it will consider and confirm funding plans for delivering improved connectivity across the UK.
“As we build back better from COVID-19, it is more important than ever that we level up every corner of our great country. High-quality transport infrastructure is key to achieving that, which is why we are committed to boosting connectivity and bringing communities across the UK even closer together,” Transport Secretary Grant Shapps said.
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