AS part of a 13-week consultation on its draft Strategic Transport Plan for the North, Transport for the North will be inviting people’s views at an event in Scarborough next Tuesday.

Senior Transport for the North representatives will be visiting the area as part of a dedicated session to outline the plan’s recommendations, advise on what this could mean for North Yorkshire and the surrounding area, and invite questions and feedback that people may have.

“Investment in transport infrastructure in the North of England is crucial for the economy of the region and we welcome consultation with the public on this critical strategic plan”, said County Councillor Don Mackenzie, North Yorkshire’s Executive Member for Transport.

“Improvements in East/West connectivity in the North, improvements to the A64 and the upgrading of rail links between Hull and Scarborough which are included in the plan are also priorities for North Yorkshire. We support this vital work by Transport for the North and value our membership of this important body.”

Barry White, CEO, Transport for the North, said: “An incredible amount of work has gone into the production of the draft Strategic Transport Plan including collaboration between the public and private sector across the whole of the North.

“The plan is underpinned with a robust evidence base making a compelling case for the investment priorities that would transform the economy of the North and the UK as a whole. I’m delighted that we’re now in a position to share this work with the public and invite their questions and comments. This is crucial to ensuring the plan is fit for purpose and meets the needs and aspirations of those who will benefit from improved infrastructure and economic prosperity, the citizens of the North.

“This is first time transport in the North has been looked at on a pan-northern level offering a unique opportunity for everyone to have their say on what matters to them in their areas. I’d encourage people to attend the event.”

The drop-in consultation is open to everyone and is an opportunity for members of the public to formally submit their feedback on the plan which will be analysed and fed into the final Strategic Transport Plan before its release later in the year.

The event in Scarborough will be held on Tuesday, March 27 at the YMCA on St Thomas Street.

Event schedule:

4pm – 5pm: Presentation from Transport for the North representative and Q+A

5pm – 6pm: Drop-in Q+A

6pm – 7pm: Presentation from Transport for the North representative and Q+A

The 30-year plan, which was released in draft on Tuesday, January 16, is the first of its kind and outlines how transport connections across the North of England need to be transformed by 2050 to drive growth and close the economic gap between the North and the rest of England.

The plan identified seven Strategic Development Corridors, which link important economic centres and where better road and rail connections are needed. These include the Central Pennines corridor, which would improve the movement of people and goods between North and West Yorkshire, the East Riding and Hull and the Humber across to Lancashire, Greater Manchester and Liverpool City Region) and where priorities may include improvements to the A64 and rail journey time improvements between Hull and Scarborough.

It also highlights the important of a pan-Northern smart and integrated ticketing system and of Northern Powerhouse Rail, which would see much faster rail connections between major northern cities and other significant economic centres.

Transport for the North’s public consultation runs until April 17, 2018 with similar engagement events taking place across the North. A final version of the plan will be published later in the year and submitted to the Government for ministerial consideration.

Find out more by visiting www.transportforthenorth.com/stp