Call for a reset on transport policies

THERE was a potentially huge moment for the North in Committee Room 4 at Bradford's City Hall this week, where senior Labour politicians pledged to end the 'chop and change' approach to the region's vital transport infrastructure.

- ROB PARSONS

A report by former Siemens CEO Juergen Maier published on Wednesday urged the new Labour government to establish a long-term strategy for transport 'fit not just for the next five years, but the next 50.'

Calling for a reset on the way decisions about major projects are made, he said: "Until now, the 'chop and change' approach to transport policy has created significant ambiguity in the sector, raised costs, and held back investment. We must set the UK on a new course."

Sitting next to him as the review was unveiled to the media was new Labour Transport Secretary Louise Haigh, who vowed to unveil just such a strategy before Chancellor Rachel Reeves delivers her Comprehensive Spending Review next year. And, crucially, she promised to deliver on any promises made.