'Pitiful' railway speeds between Portsmouth and Southampton could be boosted if huge regional transport plan goes ahead

Leaders from authorities across the region have today united behind an ambitious proposal to give the south-east more power to determine how it develops its future transport plans.

The plea from Transport for the South East is designed to ‘power-up the region’s economic recovery’ from the effects of Covid-19 and ‘accelerate investment in sustainable transport’ as part of a 30-year transport strategy.

As part of the ground-breaking proposal, the government is being asked to give the region devolved powers to determine its own strategy.

If agreed by transport secretary Grant Shapps and approved by parliament, Transport for the South East would become a statutory sub-national transport body with the ability to influence major improvements projects – including the creating of a high-speed rail network linking coastal communities from Bournemouth to Dover.

Keith Glazier, chairman of Transport for the South East, said: ‘The south-east is a true powerhouse for the UK economy, contributing more than any other region outside London. It’s the country’s principal international gateway for people and goods and drives productivity and prosperity across the UK.

‘Our transport strategy sets out how investment in a more sustainable transport network will help our economy recover and grow, delivering a green transport revolution that will create jobs, boost quality of life and help cut carbon emissions to net-zero.’

The bid has the backing of councils across the region, including those in the Portsmouth area, as well chambers of commerce, and local economic partnerships (LEPs), which in total represent more than 7.5m people and 300,000 businesses.

Brian Johnson, chairman of Solent LEP, said the deal would have the potential to ‘unite coastal communities in a way not seen before’ and improve regional networks and links to the capital.

He added: ‘This is not about building new motorways – this is about improving the region’s entire transport network as part of a green recovery (from Covid-19). This has got to be a good thing for a region.’

Councillor Gerald Vernon-Jackson, Portsmouth City Council boss, said the plan could have huge benefits for the Solent, providing ‘significantly better’ rail links.

‘It’s pitiful that it takes an hour on the train to get to Southampton,’ he said. ‘If you look at trains between other cities, it’s a snail’s pace. It’s no wonder everybody uses their car on the M27.’

SEE ALSO: Heated row over Southsea seafront closures

He added the proposal could open the doors to create a new ‘tram system’ linking Portsmouth, Havant and Gosport.

‘This would be transformational,’ he added. ‘This would give people a viable and attractive alternative to taking the car.’

Among the potential powers the new devolved regional transport group would have would include the ability to implement road charging schemes and clean-air zones to reduce pollution levels.

Cllr Vernon-Jackson welcomed efforts to cut emissions but warned: ‘I worry about this because I think the decision about those things are made best by local people in the areas that are most affected. I don’t want somebody who lives in Kent making a decision about a clean-air zone in Portsmouth. They won’t know what’s going on and I think that’s something that should be made locally.’

Transport for the South East was formed in 2017 and brings together 16 local transport authorities and five local economic partnerships along with other partners including Network Rail and Highways England to speak with one voice on the region’s transport investment priorities.

A message from the Editor, Mark Waldron

Thank you for reading this story. The dramatic events of 2020 are having a major impact on our advertisers and thus our revenues.

The News is more reliant than ever on you taking out a digital subscription to support our journalism.

You can subscribe here for unlimited access to Portsmouth news and information online.

Every subscription helps us continue providing trusted, local journalism and campaign on your behalf for our city.