On Monday 6^th March politicians, planners, designers, and business leaders working in the sector met to discuss how to ‘Transform the North’. The conference boasted attendance from Secretary of State for Transport Mark Harper MP, Shadow Secretary of State for Transport, Louise Haigh MP and the North of Tyne Combined Authority Mayor, Jamie Driscoll.

What was clear from all of the speakers was the ambition to ensure the North is not left behind in the delivery of the UK’s Transport Policy. The Secretary of State for Transport, Mark Harper MP, confirmed the completion of the Northumberland Line, with the aim to be fully operational by 2024, a £118m commitment to enhance bus connections in the North East, and significant investment in the Strategic Road Network. Since that commitment, a series of significant announcements were made at the end of last week on HS2 and road schemes in England.

Similarly, both the Secretary of State and Shadow Secretary for Transport committed to delivering the Integrated Rail Plan in full. With one eye on the next general election, Labour’s Louis Haigh MP announced a future Government led by Kier Starmer would deliver HS2 and Northern Powerhouse rail in full. She also outlined the possibility of a working partnership with industry to grow the supply chain, assist in the delivery of net zero and improve infrastructure delivery.

In a nod to levelling up, North of Tyne Combined Authority Mayor, Jamie Driscoll stressed that the North was imperative in leading the ‘Green Industrial Revolution’ through unlocking its skills, labour and resources.

Commenting on the event, Olivia Smalley, ACE’s Policy Lead for Transport and Mobility said: "It was great to attend and meet like-minded individuals to discuss the current opportunities and challenges our sector is facing. Breakout panel discussions included a look at the changing nature of freight and logistics policy, decarbonising transport and the current topical conversation of road building."

Andrew Gladstone-Heighton, ACE’s Policy Lead for Places and the English Regional Committees said: "It was fantastic to see the North in the spotlight, and for Ministers from both major parties to set out their visions for transport and connectivity in the region. There is clear agreement on the need for further and deeper investment and integration to drive modal shift across the North. It was also interesting to hear emerging ideas for the new wider North-East Combined Authority region from North of Tyne Mayor Jamie Driscoll."