Government is committed to ‘levelling up’, so that every corner of the country can benefit and share in future prosperity. Transport connectivity is an essential input into the efficient functioning of markets, reducing the costs of doing business and supporting linkages between key sectors of the economy. More efficient and faster delivery of major projects are fundamental to job creation and so a key lever for economic growth and our recovery from Covid-19. We are therefore enhancing the national strategic transport network, shifting the focus of DfT investment towards major projects that link the towns, cities and left behind places outside of London and the South East.
Key areas of focus are:
• More productive cities and towns
• Support local growth and regeneration
• Support jobs and skills
• Improve networks between major economic centres, and with international gateways
• Strengthening the Union
Delivery of major programmes such as HS2, the Integrated Rail Plan, TransPennine Route Upgrade, the Williams-Shapps Plan for Rail and the Roads Investment Strategy are fundamental to job creation and a key lever for economic growth and our recovery from Covid-19. Further commitments are outlined in the UK R&D Place Strategy which is being published this year as part of the UK R&D Roadmap. The research and evidence needs set out below are critical to supporting DfT deliver these major programmes and key areas of focus to grow and level up the economy.
Get in touch with BridgetoResearch@dft.gov.uk
This question was published as part of the set of ARIs in this document:
This is an exciting yet somewhat uncertain point of transition for the transport sector. The media frequently carries news stories on innovations in cleaner transport technologies (particularly electric vehicles) and vis...
Funded by: ESRC
Lead research organisation: University of Leeds
The project partially answers the question by providing information on the potential impact of new mobility services on energy demand and the need for understanding local travel patterns and infrastructure. The authors have the necessary expertise to analyze data and work with transport policy makers.
The latest report from the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change in 2018 highlighted the need for urgent, transformative change, on an unprecedented scale, if global warming is to be restricted to 1.5C. The challenge...
Funded by: EPSRC
Lead research organisation: University of Leeds
The project fully answers the question by addressing the long-term demand for private cars, electric vehicles, carpooling, and public transport as substitutes for decarbonization. The authors have the necessary expertise to design solutions and work with industry and government.
The rise in private car use in the UK has major implications relating to how transport more generally is provided. One problem is that conventional public transport (i.e. bus, light rail and heavy rail) is steadily becom...
Funded by: EPSRC
Lead research organisation: Loughborough University
The project partially answers the question by focusing on Demand Responsive Transport (DRT) as an alternative to conventional public transport. The authors have the necessary expertise to determine the potential contribution of DRT to meet transport and public policy objectives.