§ 25. Mrs. EllmanTo ask the Secretary of State for Transport what steps is he taking to ensure that transport strategies support regional economic regeneration. [85925]
§ Mr. JamiesonOur national planning policy guidance on regional planning clearly states that Regional Transport Strategies, produced as part of Regional Planning Guidance, should inform and support the Regional Economic Strategies being developed by Regional Development Agencies.
My Department is committed to working closely with RDAs, in conjunction with Regional Planning Bodies, in the development of these strategies and in identifying transport improvements that will support economic regeneration in all regions. Last week, for instance, we announced a major package of improvements to tackle congestion on the country's strategic highway network, helping to support business competitiveness.