The recently announced Levelling Up Fund allocations has seen just over £79m of investment awarded to transport projects in the peninsula, with the Mid-Cornwall Metro, Destination Exmouth and West Devon Transport Hub projects all successful in bidding.
Chairman of Peninsula Transport, Councillor Andrea Davis, said: “We are pleased to see a number of transport schemes in the South West awarded government funding in the latest round of the Levelling Up Fund. At both local and regional levels, these projects will boost connectivity for our residents, businesses and visitors.
“The Mid-Cornwall Metro will vastly improve connectivity across the area for those travelling for work or education, provide better public transport options for communities and visitors, as well as easing congestion on the roads. Projects such as these are vital in achieving our longer-term ambition of building a resilient, customer-focused rail network. We have always been clear that we need real enhancements and improvements to our rail network and the announcement is a clear indication that the Government is committed to rail connectivity in the peninsula.
“We are also pleased to see support for the Destination Exmouth scheme and the West Devon Transport Hub. The Destination Exmouth scheme will support better local connectivity, tackle road congestion, as well as deliver improved public transport, cycling and walking options. The West Devon Transport Hub builds on the phenomenal success of the reopening of the Dartmoor rail line. The development of a new railway station on the eastern edge of Okehampton will provide low carbon travel options and better connectivity for our more rural communities.
“We have long advocated the need to level up the region through transport investment in order to unlock our full economic potential. Peninsula Transport will continue working with our partners and the Government to make the case for high-quality transport links which offer resilience and reliability, and are able to cope with future demand.”
Peninsula Transport is the shadow sub-national transport body formed by the five lead transport authorities in the South West peninsula – Cornwall Council, Devon County Council, Plymouth City Council, Somerset County Council and Torbay Council.