The Secretary of State for Transport, Rt Hon Louise Haigh MP, has today (28 November) outlined her vision for an Integrated National Transport Strategy across England during a speech to Mayors and Transport bosses at Leeds Civic Hall.  

Sue Percy CBE, Chief Executive, CIHT said:

“The Chartered Institution of Highways and Transportation (CIHT) has consistently called for the need for there to be an Integrated National Transport Strategy and we welcome the government’s commitment to deliver on one.”

“CIHT has called for such a strategy to provide a clear framework of requirements for all elements of our transport system. This strategy should include the strategic and local highway networks, rail, aviation and maritime and set out how those networks integrate with one another by setting long-term direction that covers urgent and immediate priorities for all these key modes of transport.”

“As part of an integrated transport strategy we believe there is a real need to improve the links between planning and transport – too often we build first and then think about transport infrastructure afterwards. Many of the early indications are that the thinking behind this is in line with what we outlined in our 'Transport Network Fit For All Our Futures’ and ‘Improving Local Highways’ reports.” 

Haigh is pursuing a ‘people led approach’ to ensuring transport quality and accessibility is improved throughout the country.  

The strategy will be an attempt to harmonise multimodal transport and provide a more seamless door to door travel experience, with TfL and Greater Manchester’s Bee Network referenced, as examples of what the Transport Secretary aims to achieve throughout England.  

In addition to the 10-year strategy, the government will reform the appraisal system, to ensure that projects provide increased social value, in addition to transport improvements.  

A panel consisting of independent experts (including Professor Glenn Lyons, CIHT President) from industry, academia and civil society will review the Department for Transport’s capital spend portfolio with the aim of driving better economic outcomes for projects.  

The Transport Secretary highlighted the importance of harnessing data in rural areas, to manage traffic flows to helping drivers easily find, and pay for, parking.  

Haigh also outlined her vision to promote cycling and walking as the optimum for shorter journeys, and prioritising pavement repairs, safe crossing, and cycle infrastructure where the need is most urgent.  

CIHT is also pleased to see the increased emphasis placed upon active travel and the increased recognition of accessibility needs, that we called for in the report ‘Creating A Public Realm for All’.

Further information 

The official statement from the Department for Transport is available to read here.  
The Department for Transport has launched a call for evidence for the Integrated National Transport Strategy.  

CIHT looks forward to responding to the call for evidence on the Integrated National Transport Strategy and to working with the Secretary of State for Transport, Louise Haigh MP and the Department for Transport on the delivery of the Integrated Transport Strategy and ensuring the nation’s transport networks work for all. 

The call for evidence is available to read here.