Leaders from across the South East have launched an ambitious new partnership to transform the transport network for the travelling public and businesses and to ensure the area remains a driver of the UK economy.
Transport for the South East (TfSE) will speak with a single voice on the area's transport priorities. It will devise an integrated transport strategy to focus the attention of ministers on the area's needs and will directly influence when and where money is invested in the South East's transport network.
The new partnership brings together the area's 16 transport authorities and five local enterprise partnerships to work directly with the Department for Transport. It will also involve road and rail-builders Highways England and Network Rail, transport operators, transport users and other key interest groups. A sub-national transport body, TfSE is currently operating in shadow form but intends to secure full Government backing and statutory powers within two years.
At the first meeting of TfSE on Monday 26 June, partners elected Cllr Keith Glazier, Leader of East Sussex County Council as Chairman with Cllr Tony Page, Deputy Leader of Reading Borough Council and representative of the Berkshire Local Transport Forum, as Vice Chairman. Partners also discussed their ambitions to not only deliver smoother, congestion-free journeys and make the best use of digital and emerging technology in transport, but also to enhance the South East's vital role in national growth.
TfSE Chairman Cllr Glazier said:
'The South East is a major driver of the UK economy - contributing over £200 billion a year, more than Scotland and Wales combined. But its transport network is creaking so it's vital the Government does not take its foot off the pedal in targeting much-needed investment in this area. This is why we have come together to highlight the transport priorities for our residents and businesses and find innovative ways of building a truly resilient and modern transport system that will enhance the South East's success. '
Steve Allen, Coast to Capital Vice Chairman and member of the TfSE Shadow Partnership Board said:
'Transport for the South East presents an excellent opportunity for partners to work together to boost growth in the South and deliver significant benefits to both residents and businesses across the region. With the involvement and support of local enterprise partnerships, including Coast to Capital, this new partnership has the potential to be hugely ambitious in its vision for a transport network which is nationally relevant, internationally significant, able to support crucial links into London and meets the needs of a huge variety of companies doing business, growing and investing in our region.'
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