PM’s £5bn vision for buses and cycle lanes
BORIS Johnson will try to take the sting out of the HS2 controversy today by announcing a £5billion package to improve bus services and cycle lanes.
The Cabinet will meet this morning to give the go-ahead to the troubled HS2 scheme, with the Prime Minister expected to make a formal announcement to MPs later.
The decision means construction work on the line linking London to Birmingham will finally begin in the next few weeks.
In a bid to head off criticism that the £100billion rail line will bring no benefit to many areas, Downing Street last night unveiled plans for a major boost to bus services south of the Border. Sources said the £5billion investment would lead to more services, cheaper and simpler fares and greener vehicles.
However, Mr Johnson will risk claims of a new war on the motorist with plans set to include hundreds of miles of roads being dug up to create bus and cycle lanes.
He will also back proposals for dozens of ‘Mini-Holland’ schemes where vehicle use is restricted in towns and suburbs to encourage walking and cycling.
The package represents a huge rise in local transport spending, currently about £2.7billion a year.
But attention will focus on the decision to give final approval to HS2, which has split the Tory party. Ministers are expected to announce the immediate go-ahead for the London to Birmingham route. The northern route linking Birmingham to Manchester and Leeds will see a further review to try to nail down costs.
HS2’s management will also be shaken up, with new non-executive directors appointed to get a grip on costs, which have trebled.
The decision to hold a further review of the northern section will raise eyebrows, given the PM’s election pledge to improve infrastructure to the North.
But sources pointed out even Greater Manchester’s Labour mayor Andy Burnham is now urging ministers to prioritise a new line linking Liverpool to Manchester and Leeds ahead of the northern arm of HS2.
Mr Johnson said improving bus and cycle services would have a ‘truly transformative impact’.
He added: ‘Our daily journeys for work or leisure are about so much more than just getting from A to B – they are the key to accessing skilled jobs and opportunities, boosting businesses and unlocking economic growth for towns, cities and regions across this country.
‘That’s why improving connectivity by overhauling bus services and making cycling easier than ever is such an important step forward, to make sure every community has the foundations needed to thrive.’
‘Key to accessing skilled jobs’