Meg backs call for fairer transport funding

Wednesday, August 19, 2009

Sheffield Heeley MP Meg Munn has backed calls for fairer transport funding for Yorkshire. This follows the launch of a report by the parliamentary Transport Select Committee which claims that English regions are getting a rough deal when it comes to government investment in transport compared with the South-East of England.

 

Meg said:

 

“The report’s findings confirm what many people have thought – we do get a rough deal in transport funding when compared with London and the South East. This imbalance must change so that our transport system can be modernised for the benefit of the people of the region. For instance, a faster Sheffield to London train line would be very positive for the regional and national economy.

 

Locally I support extending the Supertram network to reach estates such as Batemoor and Jordanthorpe in my constituency. Modern safe transport would help people access city wide services more easily, including jobs, and improve social inclusion.”

 

The all-party Transport Select Committee report is published at the same time as the announcement of further disappointing transport news. Transport Minister Chris Mole confirmed that the plan to provide 224 new carriages across the Northern Rail and Transpennine Express networks is being watered down in favour of upgrading rail lines elsewhere in the country.

 

According to an analysis of Treasury figures, transport spending in Yorkshire and Humber fell by 11% in 2007-08, compared to an increase across England of 2%. Spending per head on transport in the region dropped from £238 in 2006-07 to £213 in 2007-08, while in London it rose from £642 to £783.