Hope for £56m transport scheme as Portsmouth set for cash earlier than expected

City politicians recently expressed their 'disappointment' after it was revealed the area had been snubbed for a slice of a £1bn government fund to improve transport last month, despite Southampton being allocated £57m.

Instead they were told to wait to bid for a later tranche of £117m from the department for transport (Dft) alongside councils in Norwich and Stoke-on-Trent.

But a recent letter from transport secretary Grant Shapps to Portsmouth South MP Stephen Morgan citing the 'current demands on local government resources in responding to Covid-19,' showed this was being reconsidered.

In the letter it said: 'Officials from my department will now work with the cities to refine the proposals so that we can reach an investment decision within the next two months, in as light touch a way as possible.

'In the case of your city region of Portsmouth, I have asked that the revised plans revolve around a nominal per capita award of £56m +/- £5m which could support the delivery of a package of public transport and active travel enhancements, including bus rapid transit, new and improved cycle lanes and supporting connectivity on the Isle of Wight.'

It is hoped funds will be spent on a south east Hampshire rapid transit scheme that will link areas covered by Portsmouth City Council, Hampshire County Council and Isle of Wight Council to create a network of bus priority routes between Fareham, Gosport, Havant, Waterlooville, and Portsmouth.

And a new transport hub at Ryde interchange would be built to improve public transport links between the Isle of Wight with the mainland.

Mr Morgan welcomed the news, however, stipulated that green travel must be a priority.

‘Whilst this funding offer will help bring economic benefits, more must be done to tackle the city’s air pollution crisis and climate emergency,' he said.

'That means the government stepping up and setting out a plan to guarantee more investment to come in our city’s infrastructure.'

Councillor Lynne Stagg, Portsmouth's transport boss, added: 'We continue to work with the Department for Transport, and look forward to submitting our proposal once the refined business case is complete.'

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