Transport in region ‘needs a change in policy’

NORTH EAST WILL NEVER GET A FAIR DEAL WITHOUT CHANGE – MPS

Political Editor TRANSPORT funding is rigged in favour of London and there will never be a fair deal for regions such as the North East unless the Government introduces major changes, MPs have warned.

The hard-hitting verdict follows a sixmonth House of Commons inquiry which considered evidence from industry experts, ministers, local transport authorities and others.

It follows warnings that the North East is being shortchanged, despite some recent wins such as the announcement of £337m in funding for new trains on the Tyne and Wear Metro.

Transport funding for the North East was £291 per person last year, including money for roads, rail and other forms of public transport.

But the average figure for England was £425 per head, while for London it was £944 per head.

A new report by House of Commons Transport Committee warns that the current system is unfair because money is ploughed into areas which have the most commuters, which means cash is always likely to go to London. But this doesn’t solve problems in the capital. Instead, the investment provides a boost to London’s economy, which means more people want to use its transport network. The MPs said: “Current transport scheme appraisal methods disadvantage regions in need of economic regeneration. This is working against the Government’s intention to rebalance the economy. “The current appraisal methods will always favour London. “The consequent transport investment increases economic activity and congestion. This appraisal method does not solve congestion but subsidises it.” Unless something changes, the wealth gap between London and the North will only grow, the MPs said. “The evidence from regional transport bodies, however, was clear: decision-making processes and systems of scheme appraisal currently work against regions in need of regeneration, and they do not believe they are getting their fair share. “If this situation is not more directly addressed, regional economic disparities will increase.” The findings will be A House of Commons Transport Committee report