It would not be an understatement to suggest that the recent Autumn Budget – presented to Parliament by Chancellor of the Exchequer Rachel Reeves on 30th October – was one of the most anticipated for many years, and not merely because of certain major historical milestones.
While the Budget was the UK’s first to ever be delivered by a woman, as well as the Labour Party’s first for more than 14 years, transport consultants and their clients were also watching the Chancellor’s announcement closely to learn of its implications for the transport sector.
In the event, transport infrastructure in the north of England was a major focus of the still only recently installed Government’s fiscal plans. Ms Reeves declared that measures including the Transpennine Route Upgrade (TRU) and improvements to the A57 road signalled an end to “14 years of neglect” of the region under the previously governing Conservative Party.
Hopes of improved rail and road connectivity boosting the region’s economic growth
The Chancellor joined Transport Secretary Louise Haigh on a visit to Manchester on 7th November, drawing attention to the role they believed the aforementioned rail and road schemes would play in better connecting northern England’s people, communities, and businesses.
As far as rail passengers are concerned, the Department for Transport (DfT) said the TRU programme would turn the main line from Manchester to York, via Leeds and Huddersfield, into a high-performing, electrified railway offering quicker, more frequent, and more environmentally friendly journeys.
It is anticipated that the improvements will reduce journey times between Manchester and Leeds from 50 to 42 minutes, in addition to taking 10 minutes off the typical journey time from Manchester to York.
Another important announcement in the Budget from the perspective of transport consultants and those they serve, was the Chancellor’s confirmation that works on the long-awaited A57 link road upgrade would begin within weeks. This £250 million project is expected to “drastically decrease” journey times between Manchester and Sheffield, with two new links roads set to be created.
“For too long, the north’s transport infrastructure has been neglected”
The Chancellor stated in light of the Budget announcements: “Investment in our transport infrastructure is vital to delivering our growth mission. Without improvements to our roads and rail, we won’t be able to create jobs and boost business”.
Ms Reeves said the key northern economic centres would be brought closer together by the delivery of the confirmed improvement works, with the Government “bolstering the region’s immense growth power to benefit the whole country.”
Meanwhile, the Transport Secretary commented that “for too long, the north’s transport infrastructure has been neglected.” Ms Haigh expressed delight, however, about the Budget’s announcements in relation to the two schemes, which she said would “make a huge difference to people’s everyday journeys – making travelling between these great towns and cities quicker, easier and greener.”
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