The North East Transport Plan consultation is well underway and there’s still plenty of time for members of the public and stakeholders to get involved and have their say.

The public consultation aims to secure feedback on the region’s first Transport Plan; an ambitious multi-billion-pound strategy which aims to deliver major improvements across the North East up to 2035. The consultation closes in four weeks’ time on 14 January 2021.

Schemes within Plan are estimated to be worth an initial £6.1bn up to 2035 – this figure is expected to grow significantly across the lifespan of the plan as the live programme of schemes develops.

Cllr Martin Gannon, Chair of the Joint Transport Committee, said: “The North East Transport Plan is the first major plan for the future of our transport network and feedback and engagement in the consultation has been very positive so far. We want to hear from people across the region as it’s vital that different communities and needs are represented. The draft plan will be updated to reflect feedback from the consultation so now really is the time to say what you’d like to see happen over the next 15 years.

“Transport is critically important to the future success of our region. Enhanced transport links will boost our economy, improve our environment by providing more carbon-neutral transport links and also greatly improve the health and well-being of people across the North East. Whether you live in a city, town, village or rural community, your transport needs will be reflected in the strategy, so I’d urge people to get involved. However you choose to travel – whether that’s by car, motorbike, taxi, on foot or cycle or by public transport, your input is valuable, this plan is for you and your involvement will help to make a big difference.”

The draft North East Transport Plan includes multiple road, rail and public transport projects which will drive forward increased connectivity.

Comprehensive policy statements are detailed in the consultation draft plan which will be adopted across the seven local authority areas for the first time – Newcastle, Gateshead, North Tyneside, South Tyneside, Sunderland, Northumberland and Durham.

To find out more, fill in the feedback survey or find out about our virtual events visit www.transportnortheast.gov.uk/transportplan.

Members of the public can also email transportplan@transportnortheast.gov.uk or call 0191 433 2973 to share their views.