Tees Valley Combined Authority outlines £257m proposals for region's future travel methods

A transport plan outlining proposals for future methods of travel in the Tees Valley has been launched by the Combined Authority.

Revealed today (August 28), Cllr Heather Scott OBE, Tees Valley Combined Authority’s cabinet lead for transport, has unveiled the draft Strategic Transport Plan - out now for public consultation including £257m of schemes to improve transport in the region.

Cllr Scott said: “This Strategic Transport Plan touches on every mode of travel and aspect of how we get around in Tees Valley. It will help us deliver the high-quality, efficient, reliable and well-connected network that both our people and businesses need.

“Good transport links will boost everything that the Combined Authority is doing across business and investment, culture and tourism and education, employment and skills.

“We know getting people where they want to be, when they want to be there, to access the opportunities we are creating is of vital importance. That’s why we have committed £257m to developing a transport network we can be proud of, as outlined in this plan.”

The plan covers all forms of transport, including roads, rail and air, buses as well as sustainable travel like walking and cycling routes.

It looks at themes of national rail, major roads, connecting centres, unlocking key sites, and local journeys while aiming to deliver social equity and protecting the environment. The plan also considers the freight needs of businesses.

Copies of documents will be available in municipal buildings across the five Local Authority boroughs and all the consultation documents will be available online until it closes on November 20, 2019.

Cllr Scott added: “But we need to make sure that our proposals work for everyone in the region, from town centres to rural villages, for decades to come.

“That’s why I’d urge everyone in the Tees Valley to take a look at the document, visit our events to hear first-hand our plans and fill in an online questionnaire.”