IMPROVING the region’s transport infrastructure is crucial to maintaining and developing the North- East export market and must be made a priority in regional development, it has been claimed.

Research has shown that 80 per cent of members of the North-East Chamber of Commerce (NECC) believe the transport system in the region is hindering economic growth, both for individual businesses and for the region as a whole The transport network in the North-East has been estimated to cost the region’s businesses £22,256 – £4,906 higher than the national figure.

And 92 per cent of members said they had faced increased operating costs as a direct result of the UK’s struggling transport system, with 68 per cent losing business as a result.

The transport survey, carried out by the British Chambers of Commerce, found that 85 per cent of NECC members felt that road congestion locally and nationally was a direct problem for their business.

Ross Smith, head of policy and research at NECC, said finding solutions to the problem was crucial for the region.

“It is critical that both central government and public bodies with a responsibility for transport within the region recognise the economic contribution that transport makes,”

he said.

“In line with that, we need to have a real strategy for making sure that transport in the North-East is effective for businesses carrying out their activities.

“It should also help us gain access to important markets so that the region can continue to grow economically.

It is important to make sure that our international links from the airports and ports are strong and that there is a good transport network into them.”

Mr Smith identified several areas that should be made priorities.

“We need to improve the North/South connections through the region by tackling the A19 around the Tyne Tunnel and the A1 north through Northumberland,” he said.

“There should also be proper measures to stop the East Coast Main Line reaching gridlock in the next few years, including considering the case for a new North-South high speed rail line.”