£15bn blueprint for Northern cities transport network

The scheme, which could more than double the number of commuters the transport system can cope with and cut some rail journey times by half, was presented to chancellor George Osborne yesterday.

The ‘One North’ report includes proposals for a 125 mph trans-pennine rail link that would reduce rail journey times between Leeds, Sheffield and Manchester to 30 minutes alongside further electrification and new trains for the existing rail network.

Building the planned HS2 high speed rail line from the North and the South simultaneously and improving connections between cities that will be served directly by the line and other areas are among the other main recommendations.

The 15-year investment plan also calls for the creation of new freight and logistics terminals as well as improved access to ports and spending on “managed motorways”.

One North has been put together by Leeds, Sheffield, Manchester, Liverpool and Newcastle with support from Hull, Bradford, Wakefield and York.

It was launched at an event this morning attended by Mr Osborne who last month said improved connections between towns and cities were needed to turn the North into a single economic “powerhouse” that can compete on the global stage.