Department for Transport answers letter to Grant Shapps by saying "resurgent, revitalised North" is fundamental to Covid-19 recovery

It also pledged to continue to work closely with northern leaders to push ahead with key projects such as Northern Powerhouse Rail, a proposed network of upgraded and new railway lines that include a high speed route between Leeds and Manchester.

The renewed commitment came in response to a letter sent earlier this week to Transport Secretary Grant Shapps by political and business leaders in the region.

It set out 13 key priorities which include changing ticketing on public transport, launching low carbon pilot schemes, and accelerating Northern Powerhouse Rail.

The letter from Transport for the North (TfN) highlighted the need for commitment to “quick win” road and rail schemes that could begin this year, plus sustained investment in active travel and other initiatives.

These projects will make up an Economic Recovery Plan for the region, centred on principles agreed by the North’s leaders including the need to reflect the challenges of Covid-19 and accelerate schemes that will help to create jobs.

Barry White, TfN's chief executive, said: “We’ve always said the North cannot wait at the back of the queue and that we need a clear and committed pipeline of initiatives to reverse decades of under-investment.

“Our Economic Recovery Plan puts forward tangible ways in which the Government can show commitment to that levelling-up agenda.”

Giving an initial response to the letter, a Department for Transport (DfT) spokeswoman said: "We’ve been absolutely clear that a resurgent, revitalised North is a fundamental part of this country’s recovery from Covid-19.

“We continue to work closely with northern leaders to accelerate the delivery of vital projects, boost job opportunities and ensure transport networks are fit for passengers across the North as quickly as possible.”

It announced a £2bn package in May to support new cycling and walking nationally, including £250m in emergency active travel funding that has been rolled out for initiatives such as pop-up bike lanes.

The funding will support trials of e-scooters and boost electric vehicles charging points, with an additional £10m set aside to encourage councils to install them.

At a regional level, the DfT is working with TfN on smart ticketing proposals as part of its wider, government-funded Integrated and Smart Travel programme.

The DfT has also been allocated £75m this year to develop Northern Powerhouse Rail following a pledge by Prime Minister Boris Johnson last year to fund the Leeds to Manchester route. A strategic outline case is due to be submitted in early 2021.

Following the initial bid to Mr Shapps, TfN's Economic Recovery Plan plan will be considered by its board of political and business leaders on July 29.

The Yorkshire Evening Post has previously written to the Transport Secretary to set out its own priorities for Leeds as part of the Unlock the Gridlock campaign.

Also in news: Boost for YEP's Unlock the Gridlock campaign as Transport Secretary offers "24/7 commitment"

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