NORTH-EAST Labour MPs have hit out after a report published today suggested more than half of transport infrastructure spending is going to London.

A study by IPPR North shows 54 per cent of investment in the country’s transport networks is going to the capital, and the think-tank has warned that imbalance is set to get even worse.

The research showed an average of £1,943 is being spent per person in London on current or planned projects, compared with just £427 in the North.

Redcar MP Anna Turley said the latest figures were “not surprising", whilst Tom Blenkinsop, MP for Middlesbrough South and East Cleveland, said transport was “going backwards in the North”.

“Anyone who tries to travel to work by public transport knows the lack of investment we have here,” said Ms Turley.

“The unequal investment is stymying growth in the north, driving economic inequality in this country and holding our area back from playing our full role in fulfilling Britain’s post-Brexit potential.”

Mr Blenkinsop added: “Electrification north of York is not being considered, HS2 stops at York, funding to buses and bus fares slashed, road maintenance cut, and the trans-pennine route hit with carriage reductions.

“With further increases on fuel prices, the average driver will also be increasingly hit.

“It is record of failure to our region and the North as a whole.”

The report stated that “chronic public under-investment” is the root cause of problems with the road and rail networks in the North.

A Department for Transport spokesman said: “We are investing £13bn to improve transport across the North to improve journeys for local people, help industry grow and boost productivity.

“Transport for the North is working with councils to develop a Northern Transport Strategy, to benefit the region as a whole.”