Comments Nasar Malik, director at professional services and engineering consultancy, WSP, in Manchester: “We welcome the consultation launch of the STP and the recognition of the vital role a better connected transport system across the north will play in acting as a catalyst for transformational economic growth to reduce the north-south divide. As the largest transport consultant in the North, and a major employer with over 2000 staff based across the region, WSP has a significant stake in the success of the northern economy. We’re leading on two of the current three TfN strategic development corridor studies identified in the STP to develop evidence-based options for improving transport connectivity and identify priorities for investment. This builds on our earlier work on all three of the Northern Strategic Road Studies as well as on identifying alternative options for a Trans Pennine improvement between Manchester and Sheffield. Looking ahead, there will be challenges for TfN in relation to the prioritising, funding and delivery of major new infrastructure, but the STP is an excellent start to the longer-term delivery of improvements. We fully support TfN acquiring sub-national transport body status in April 2018, and we will continue to provide specialist expertise as TfN enters the next stage of consultation.”
ENDS
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