Transport for the North on course towards statutory status

Jeremy Acklam is hoping to lead a transport revolution in the North of England.

Transport for the North (TfN) is on track to accelerate its transport policies following news of a proposed amendment to the Cities and Local Government Devolution Bill giving the body statutory status.

The proposed Bill amendment opens up the legislative pathway that will enable Transport for the North to become a statutory body in 2017. Once awarded, statutory status would allow TfN to fast track it programme of improvements allowing the body, comprising of regional authorities and stakeholders, to set out transport policies and investment priorities in a long term transport strategy for the North.

Sir Richard Leese, interim Chair of Transport for the North, said: “Statutory status will ultimately enable TfN to implement real change, transforming Northern connectivity to rebalance the country’s economy. This announcement demonstrates the Government’s commitment to TfN and the creation of a Northern Powerhouse.

“Statutory status will ultimately enable Transport for the North to implement real change”

 “To ensure that we are in a position to make rapid progress towards our vision, TfN is putting in place a high calibre team, headed up by new Chief Executive, David Brown, who joins from his previous role as Director General of Merseytravel. David will be joined later this year by a new Chair and the team will work to drive forward TfN’s ambitious programme.

“Work is currently focused on developing TfN’s updated strategy for Northern connectivity, which will be published next spring and which will outline the priorities for transforming the Northern economy through significantly enhanced connectivity between the city regions. TfN and the government will be publishing a joint report to highlight progress to date later this autumn.”