Good transport links vital to our future

Apr 14 2006 By Nicholas Craig, The Journal

As a region we could do with a bit more joined-up thinking in the transport department.

There can be few issues that spark debate as easily, and passionately, as transport - in the region and across the UK. Whether it is roads, rail, air or sea - everyone has an opinion.

The future of transport policies in Great Britain are under enormous scrutiny, with growing public attention on the environment, petrol prices, rail safety and investment. In the region, a string of campaigns and studies looking at our connections with the rest of the UK, and region-wide is turning up the heat on transport.

The North-East faces two main issues: good public transport throughout the region, and better communications with the rest of the UK and Europe. If we don't achieve these we risk being marginalised.

The veto on more traffic slapped on the A1 in the region by the Highways Agency is more than likely to hold back jobs. The need to ensure we can continue investing in new commercial schemes has the backing of local businesses, politicians and agencies.

The Highways Agency's Article 14 powers have been relaxed in other areas such as South Yorkshire, because of the feared impact on jobs. Yet that same fear continues to dog the North-East, which needs the jobs as much, if not more, than South Yorkshire.

Our region could also become dangerously isolated from other parts of the UK if the block on planning new developments continues.

I have long backed a campaign to extend the M1 from Leeds to Newcastle. This would overcome a sizeable obstacle to the region's economic growth. The campaign also calls for the reopening of the South-East Northumberland passenger rail line, better links to Teesside International Airport and the early construction of the second Tyne Tunnel. Businesses throughout the region have made their voices heard loud and clear, but we appear to be no further forward than when the campaign began four years ago.

Let's hope there is still a chance - however slim - of significantly better investment in transport infrastructure in the not too distant future. Good transport is the key to inward investment and less congestion, and vital for our future.

Nicholas Craig is a partner at Watson Burton law firm