Help to plot a course for region's transport plans for the next twenty years

People are being invited to help set a course for the future of transport policy over the next two decades - starting from today
Councillor Nick Forbes, lead member for transport on the North East Combined Authority, pictured with Transport Minister Andrew Jones and NECA Transport Director Tobyn Hughes, is calling for people to help shape the transport agenda.Councillor Nick Forbes, lead member for transport on the North East Combined Authority, pictured with Transport Minister Andrew Jones and NECA Transport Director Tobyn Hughes, is calling for people to help shape the transport agenda.
Councillor Nick Forbes, lead member for transport on the North East Combined Authority, pictured with Transport Minister Andrew Jones and NECA Transport Director Tobyn Hughes, is calling for people to help shape the transport agenda.

The North East Combined Authority (NECA) is setting the wheels in motion for a 20-year Transport Manifesto covering the region - including South Tyneside, Sunderland and Durham - and wants residents to have their say as the journey gets started.

The manifesto - called ‘Our Journey’ - will feed into the local transport plan for the combined authority area and will set out how NECA intends to deliver on its ambition to promote affordable, attractive, reliable, safe, healthy transport choices for businesses, residents and visitors.

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Consultation over the vision for the future is now underway.

The consultation will look at a variety of transport options including road, rail, air and sea.

Newcastle City Councillor Nick Forbes, Chair of the Transport North East Committee, said: “The aim of this Transport Manifesto is to put passengers at the heart of the North East’s transport network.

“Across the region, people rightly demand a transport system that works for them, that is reliable, easy to use and affordable. Now is your chance to ensure you have a say over how we tackle the issues holding us back as a region.

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“For the first time in many decades the region is coming together, as Transport North East, to set a vision. But it is not up to politicians to decide on our transport priorities; the vision of the region has to be one we all contribute to.

"This document will guide our way for the next two decades, from everything to our approach to Metro ticket prices to which major roads we seek to upgrade. “It is the passengers, the motorists, the cyclists and other transport users who will shape this region, and their feedback on this manifesto is vital.”

The Transport Manifesto will help to empower the region and reinforce its position of being a national and international force. It will allow the subject of transport to underline its importance in areas such as economic growth, the environment and health.

Durham County Cllr Neil Foster, vice chair of Transport North East Committee, added: “Having efficient and reliable transport systems in place is a crucial part of our drive for economic growth.

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“We need to ensure that residents in both urban and rural areas, whether they travel by car, use public transport or cycle, can access services, leisure, jobs and training opportunities.

The best way to cast a vote or send in views is by visiting the NECA website www.northeastca.gov.uk/transport-north-east-and-transport-manifesto or by contacting 277 1156 for a hard copy to be posted out to you.

The closing date for responses is Friday, April 8