British cities need greater control over transport planning, funding and infrastructure delivery to improve connectivity and close the gap with European counterparts, according to a new report from the Centre for Cities.
The report, License to Build: Delivering Urban Transport Infrastructure Through Devolution, examines how greater local powers could help accelerate the delivery of transport infrastructure and support economic growth. It highlights the difference between tram and light rail development in Britain and France. Since 2010, France has added approximately 420 kilometres of tram and light rail infrastructure, compared with around 350 kilometres across Britain’s existing networks.
Leeds is cited as an example of the difficulties faced by British cities seeking to develop new mass transit systems. The city has made 11 unsuccessful bids for a tram or trolleybus network over nearly four decades, while more recent proposals for bus rapid transit and a West Yorkshire metro have also failed to secure government approval.
Four priorities for reform
The report identifies four areas where changes could improve transport infrastructure delivery: stronger mayoral powers, a more predictable planning system, greater financial independence and increased capacity within mayoral strategic authorities.
It argues that uncertainty in the planning and approval process can contribute to delays and increased project costs.
The West Midlands Metro extension to Birmingham Eastside is highlighted as an example, with its Transport and Works Act order application taking three years and running to 6,000 pages, excluding supplementary documents.
Greater Manchester’s Metrolink extension to Trafford Park also required two years to secure government approval.
The report contrasts these processes with approaches in France, where national tram design guidelines and an established pipeline of projects can help local authorities avoid repeatedly developing schemes from scratch.
Greater financial powers for mayors
Financial devolution is another key recommendation, with the report arguing that British cities should have greater scope to raise and retain revenue for transport investment rather than relying so heavily on central government funding.
France’s versement transport payroll tax is highlighted as an example of a dedicated revenue stream supporting public transport.
The report recommends allowing British mayors to borrow against locally retained tax revenues, including business rates, while maintaining national borrowing safeguards.
It also proposes closer collaboration with the National Wealth Fund to share financial risks and strengthen local financial management capabilities. Reforming the fund’s lending facility could help provide mayors with terms more comparable to those available to private borrowers.
Lessons from European transport delivery
The report also draws on examples from Italy and Germany, where national cost and pricing schedules and infrastructure delivery guidance can help cities progress projects while retaining local decision-making powers.
In addition, it calls for increased funding through the Mayoral Capacity Fund until 2028/29, alongside national light rail design standards and guidance on alternative approaches to infrastructure delivery.
Centre for Cities argues that improving transport connectivity is important to unlocking the economic potential of British cities. Greater local control over planning, funding and delivery, it concludes, could help urban areas bring forward infrastructure projects more efficiently and improve connections for passengers and businesses.
(Picture: Yay Images)
