Decision Maker: Group Chief Executive
Decision status: Recommendations Approved
Is Key decision?: No
Is subject to call in?: No
The draft STP2 contains much that GM would
support, especially - in broad terms - the opportunity it provides
to address pan-northern transport issues as part of a range of
strategic ambitions to transform the region’s economic
performance, and the commitment made to reduce greenhouse gas
emissions.
Given GM’s current and planned future role at the heart of
both the Strategic Road Network and the rail network in the North
of England, the consultation response will sets out what the GM
city-region needs and how future and their impacts need to be fully
understood to ensure the right investment is brought forward.
Unlike the first STP, the draft STP2 does not set, and map out,
priorities for investment in the north, such as those relating to
Strategic Highways (Road Investment Strategy 3), where TfN has been
working the LTAs on the case, and priorities, for investment.
The draft STP2 does not set out a pathway to achieve the strategic
priorities which are measurable in the next five, ten- and
twenty-years’ time. TfGM understands that the STP2 is a
document setting out TfN’s vision and strategic ambitions,
but this could be enhanced with an accompanied document that
details a clear pathway and timeline of how the strategic
ambitions/priorities will be delivered. An example of this would be
in TfGM’s 2040 transport strategy where we have set out
delivery of our strategic priorities in the short, medium and
long-term.
Given the position of Greater Manchester in, and the form of, the
National Rail and Strategic Road networks, the operational and
reliability issues arising at these locations have implications for
travellers and businesses across the north, as well as for the city
region, however the STP does not currently make a strong case for
that investment.
While we welcome the STP call for delivery of HS2 and NPR in full,
we are disappointed that the form of station for HS2 and NPR at
Piccadilly is not mentioned. The firm GM position is that it is
imperative that an underground station be provided at Piccadilly,
which would allow NS2 and NPR services to travel through between
Liverpool / Manchester Airport to Leeds / West Yorkshire /
Northeast without reversing. We would request that this be included
in the final version.
To approve TfGM and GMCA’s response to
Transport for the North’s draft Strategic Transport Plan 2
which had been published for public consultation.
Publication date: 07/09/2023
Date of decision: 17/08/2023
Accompanying Documents: