Devolution and the rise of the combined authority

With plans for devolution progressing and increased financial settlements for mayoral and combined authorities, Mike Batheram, Local Transport Market Director at AtkinsRéalis, considers both the challenges and opportunities for enabling the delivery of integrated transport and how authorities can balance these factors.

In my role, I speak to many colleagues and clients about transport schemes and the need to drive place-based connectivity through delivering integrated transport networks. One theme continually brought to my attention in conversations is the need to understand regional differences, priorities and the specific needs of the communities within them.

Like many metro mayors and leaders of combined authorities, the Government is pushing for growth and improving the social and economic benefits of investment. But at the same time, there are many other challenges facing our society and economy.

In most of my conversations, concerns about securing adequate funding and investment are top of the list. There has been some welcome progress with respect to longer-term and more devolved future funding settlements. The announcement of a review of the green book calculations to support regional growth is welcome. However, years of underinvestment and the backlog of funding to upgrade existing transport infrastructure, let alone investment in new transport schemes, persist. An opportunity exists to bridge the gap through the private sector, the National Wealth Fund and pension scheme investments, learning lessons from Canada and Australia.

Political and public support for new infrastructure schemes also concerns many local authority leaders and Mayors. Whilst there is strong political support for reforming the planning system to enable the delivery of integrated transport schemes at pace, many are concerned that gaining and maintaining public support for long-term transport projects can be difficult, especially where competing priorities exist.

Finally, the need to ensure that transport projects are environmentally sustainable, resilient to the future impacts of climate change and socially inclusive so that they enable all members of society to benefit from their delivery builds in additional complexity and cost, which concerns many.

Having outlined some of the challenges many leaders face, let us consider the tremendous opportunities of taking a holistic and inclusive view of transport infrastructure delivery.

Firstly, we cannot underestimate the benefits of devolution - they are significant. Devolving powers to mayoral combined authorities will enhance the delivery of integrated transport infrastructure that meets the specific needs of the businesses, communities and individuals who use it, by providing more tailored, effective transport solutions.

In turn, delivering more effective transport solutions can help improve the quality of life for residents who will benefit from more accessible and integrated connectivity to get them to work, social events, education facilities, retail and other places they want to visit.

Focusing on social, economic, health and environmental outcomes will promote more sustainable transport options and investment in schemes that enable cycling, walking, wheeling and active travel. This will positively impact health and well-being, contributing to savings in doctor and medical appointments and helping reduce the burden on our overstretched NHS. It will also help reduce carbon emissions and improve air quality in our densely populated towns and cities.

Investing in new transport schemes and upgrading existing legacy transport infrastructure provides the opportunity to design out carbon and design in resilience. Delivering low or zero-carbon solutions will force the industry to accelerate the development of, and invest in, innovative new materials with less embedded carbon in their manufacture and across their lifecycle. This will also support the upskilling of communities through better opportunities for job creation and modernisation.

Finally, and most critically, investing in integrated transport systems contributes to the Government's ambition for economic growth by accelerating the delivery of improved connectivity and reducing travel times, supporting economic agglomeration and development of local sectoral clusters. Authorities will be able to attract new businesses to our towns and cities and investment to boost local place-based productivity.

Success in delivering integrated transport is founded upon collaboration across local authorities, transport operators and the supply chain. Underpinned by strategic plans that clearly establish the benefit of investment, tailored to the needs of the communities and residents in different regions. This includes clear articulation of how the delivery of an integrated transport system will support the long-term goals, visions, and outcomes desired for our towns, cities, and the communities they serve and the positive contribution that they will make to the environment and the planet.

Delivering integrated transport will require us all to think inclusively, work together and ensure we are focussed on conveying the wider outcomes. We must seize the once-in-a-generation chance to make a difference. The impacts of climate change cannot be ignored, and the opportunity for such investment will not return. So, we must push forward and deliver the integrated transport networks we need in our cities and towns to drive growth and benefit everyone at pace.