ICE’s submission to National Infrastructure Commission consultation on northern connectivity

The submission welcomes the drive to boost growth in the North, the progress on devolution, and the growing success of individual northern cities, like Leeds, Newcastle and Sheffield. In order to compete globally the North must realise its potential as a single economic zone. This requires more reliable, more frequent and quicker transport connectivity.

The submission recommends a mix of small scale investments and transport projects to address the North's connectivity weaknesses, but warns against progressing individual projects in isolation. It urges Government to adopt a "whole network" approach, where investment is based on a comprehensive, integrated strategy.