TRANSPORT chiefs in the region will be given London-style powers to set bus routes and fares, Labour will vow today (Tuesday).

The deregulation “free-for-all” introduced by the Thatcher government will be ended, the party’s conference will be told – starting in England’s big metropolitan areas.

Mary Creagh, Labour’s transport spokeswoman, will heap praise on Tyne and Wear for its efforts to bring order to the private bus firms currently running services.

And, speaking to The Northern Echo ahead of the announcement, she said: “We are going to work with them to help them deliver that.

“Speaking to local leaders, the one thing they say they want above all others is London-style powers over buses.

“The current process - of quality contracts – is long and full of financial and legal risk, so we are going to make that process simpler.”

Ms Creagh’s pledge comes just days after Nick Clegg made a similar pledge to give transport authorities outside London the same powers over buses.

During 13 years in power, Labour refused to reverse the 1986 deregulation, but senior figures later admitted such caution had been a major blunder.

The private bus giants stand accused of axing vital routes with little notice, or of demanding rising local council subsidy to keep them running.

Ms Creagh added: “Outside London, bus fares have gone up by 25 per cent over the last four years and passenger numbers are down.

“Two-thirds of all journeys on public transport are on buses, yet services are being scrapped and communities left isolated. The system is not working.”

Tyne and Wear and West Yorkshire have led attempts to grab powers to regulate buses, but have been met with threats of legal action from the private bus giants.

During the speech, Ms Creagh will also:

Vow to speed up decision-making on major infrastructure projects – including high-speed lines in the North.

Restate that Labour’s policy will be to allow a state-run firm to bid to run rail franchises when they come up for renewal.

Condemn the alleged threat to public safety from a bonfire of regulations on taxis and private hire vehicles.

That shake-up was also attacked by police chiefs in the North, because it will be harder to crack down on rogue firms.