Announced in the Budget, the Transport for the North scheme has been launched today (20 March) by Chancellor George Osborne, Deputy Prime Minister Nick Clegg, Transport Secretary Patrick McLoughlin and northern city leaders.

The project has been billed as the first ever comprehensive transport strategy for the region and covers roads, rail, freight, airports and smart ticketing.

As well as outlining rail developments including simpler fares structures and smart ticketing systems and investing in high-speed rail to connect the cities of Liverpool, Manchester, Leeds, Sheffield, Newcastle and Hull, the scheme also sets out plans for major improvements to the north’s road network through:

• Expanding the M62 to 4 lanes between Leeds and Manchester
• Upgrading the M6 to 4 lanes
• Improving the A1 to provide continuous motorway standard between London and Newcastle
• Widening the M1 to 4 lane running in Yorkshire and Humber

Transport Secretary Patrick McLoughlin said: “This dynamic change, led by the Chancellor with northern leaders, transforms the way government looks at transport solutions for the north. No government has given such attention to the infrastructure of our great northern cities and how to deliver a world-class, integrated transport network for the north. The proposals announced today will reduce journey times while increasing capacity and connectivity, enabling growth.” 

Stephen Joseph, chief executive, Campaign for Better Transport, greeted the news about the changes for rail but added: "Plans for road projects including extra lanes to be added to motorways and a proposed tunnel under the Peak District are a waste of money and will undermine the effectiveness of the other measures proposed. New roads create new traffic, and will not help to solve the region's needs for a sustainable transport system.”