The map below shows how far behind France and Germany we are in mass transit. In France, every place with over 150,000 people has some form of tram or metro. But if mayoral areas can 'become builders' as @TracyBrabin puts it in the foreword, we can turn this around. 🧵 1/9
In ‘Let Mayors Build’ - published today with @BritishProgress @dc_lawrence @Ben_A_Hopkinson - we set out how giving mayors power over approvals and funding will drive pride and prosperity through new transport projects delivered more quickly - and likely cheaper. 2/9
The report highlights Strasbourg. Elected in 1989 promising trams, a mayor was able to open the new tram in 1994 and win re-election in 1995 on a pledge fulfilled. The map above shows how far behind France and Germany we are in terms of mass transit. 3/9
Contrast this with the infamous Leeds tram. The mayor and govt have made a welcome push to have spades in the ground by 2028. But the contrast with other countries where places can just get on with building is stark. 4/9
Let alone Leeds, if Preston or Peterborough were in France then they would have trams too given their size. Looking at the North, the map below shows some of the places that would given the French example. Places like Hull, Middlesborough and Warrington are all big enough. 5/9
Mayors should be able to approve transport projects in their areas, without needing DfT approval of a 'Transport and Works Act Order'. Give mayors the process. They should also have access to local revenue sources to fund these projects - just like in other countries. 6/9
The government should also speed up approvals with less central control over businesses cases for mayors with integrated settlements - and an expedited process for anything that does still require some central approval or funding. 7/9
Read more detail - including @TracyBrabin foreword - in the full report 'Let Mayors Build: a new deal for transport'. https://www.labourtogether.uk/... 8/9
I've also posted about the implications for the North of England here. https://futurenorth.substack.c... 9/9
@JP_Spencer_ @TracyBrabin liverpool seems left out of the map
@evang3l10n_un1t @TracyBrabin Is because Merseyrail is heavy rail so an edge case in that map - though I’ve included in the map of North given similarities as you’ll see further down thread.
@JP_Spencer_ @dc_lawrence @TracyBrabin Surely we would need the housing density of those European towns before it makes sense?