REPORT TO: Cabinet Member Technical Services

DATE: 1st December 2010

SUBJECT: Response to DfT Consultation – Revisions to Strategic National Corridors

WARDS Linacre AFFECTED:

REPORT OF: Andy Wallis Planning & Economic Regeneration Director

CONTACT Stuart Waldron Assistant Director Transport & Spatial OFFICER: Planning

EXEMPT/ No CONFIDENTIAL:

PURPOSE/SUMMARY:

To seek Cabinet Member Technical Services approval to the Council’s response to a recent Department for Transport (DfT) Consultation on ‘Promoting connectivity between Capital Cities of the – A Consultation on Revising National Strategic Transport Corridors’.

REASON WHY DECISION REQUIRED:

Cabinet member Technical Services is delegated to approve the council’s response to Transport consultation exercises and the proposals relate to the highway network in the south of the Borough.

RECOMMENDATION(S):

That Cabinet Member Technical Services

Approves the proposed response to the Department for Transport as set out in the report in response to the consultation on proposed revisions to Strategic National Corridors.

KEY DECISION: No

FORWARD PLAN: No

IMPLEMENTATION DATE: Immediately following the expiry of the ‘call in’ period for the meeting.

ALTERNATIVE OPTIONS:

None – Cabinet Member Technical Services is delegated to respond for the Council.

IMPLICATIONS:

Budget/Policy Framework: None The highways concerned will remain the responsibility of the Council.

Financial: N/A

2006/ 2007/ 2008/ 2009/ 2007 2008 2009 2010 CAPITAL EXPENDITURE £ £ £ £ Gross Increase in Capital Expenditure Funded by: Sefton Capital Resources Specific Capital Resources REVENUE IMPLICATIONS Gross Increase in Revenue Expenditure Funded by: Sefton funded Resources Funded from External Resources Does the External Funding have an expiry When? date? Y/N How will the service be funded post expiry?

Legal: None

Risk Assessment: N/A

Asset Management: N/A

CONSULTATION UNDERTAKEN/VIEWS

LIVERPOOL CITY COUNCIL,

WIRRAL BOROUGH COUNCIL,

CORPORATE OBJECTIVE MONITORING:

Corporate Positive Neutral Negative Objective Impact Impact Impact 1 Creating a Learning Community √ 2 Creating Safe Communities √ 3 Jobs and Prosperity √ 4 Improving Health and Well-Being √ 5 Environmental Sustainability √ 6 Creating Inclusive Communities √ 7 Improving the Quality of Council √ Services and Strengthening local Democracy 8 Children and Young People √

LIST OF BACKGROUND PAPERS RELIED UPON IN THE PREPARATION OF THIS REPORT

1.0 Background

1.1 In Autumn 2008 the Department for Transport (DfT) published its consultation on Delivering a Sustainable Transport System (DaSTS). This proposed establishing fourteen Strategic National Corridors (SNCs) to recognise the national and international significance of transport links between the largest urban areas, ports and airports. These corridors are used most heavily by freight and business travellers and are vital in sustaining the UK economy. The corridors identified provide connectivity between the most important strategic destinations in , and links with Scotland, Wales and , using the routes carrying the most strategic traffic.

1.2 Whilst the corridors provided connectivity with Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland, other than for London, there was no specific provision to recognise the strategic importance of the capital cities of the UK, Edinburgh, Cardiff and . The Government believes that it would be appropriate to revise the criteria used to define the infrastructure and services contained within a SNC so that the most important rail and road link between each capital and the closest strategic destination in England is included in the SNC Infrastructure/service maps

1.3 Within each Strategic National Corridor, the DfT identified those roads and rail services which catered for the largest volumes of long distance passenger and freight traffic. These were then defined as being of national significance - the Secretary of State for Transport makes decisions on the prioritisation of investment on these roads and rail services. Those roads and rail services that were not identified were deemed to be of regional importance – with the Secretary of State, taking account of advice from local stakeholders, making decisions on prioritisation of investment on these roads and services. Until recently, funding of schemes on regional roads came from the same pot as that for Local Authority Major Schemes within the Regional Funding Allocation (RFA).

1.4 The DfT have considered the roads and rail services included in the SNC infrastructure / service maps in the light of the revision in criteria guiding the definition of SNCs. As a consequence a number of changes are proposed – some of which directly affect the North West:

~ Rail services on the West Coast Main Line are currently included and are deemed to provide appropriate connectivity with Belfast. Therefore no changes to railway infrastructure/services are proposed. ~ Considering road links, the M62 and M57/A5036 are both currently included, providing access to , but neither gives direct access to the Twelve Quays Ferry Terminal in . It is therefore proposed to add a direct road link to the ferry terminal to the infrastructure/service maps.

1.5 The result of changing the SNC definition, and of identifying the additional link above, would be to focus decision making on their future development with the Secretary of State, rather than on local stakeholders. 1.6 Before the proposed changes are made, the DfT have launched a consultation using a set of standard questions, which runs until Friday 10th December 2010.

1.7 This response has been developed in consultation with officers at the North West Regional leaders Board the Northwest Regional Development Agency and other local authorities on . As a consequence the response reflects regional and local issues.

2.0 Detail of Proposed Changes

2.1 Criteria

The DfT are proposing to revise the criteria in Box A with the text set out in Box B.

Box A: Current criteria used to define SNCs

SNCs shall link two or more of the strategic destinations (a-d below): ~ the ten largest cities in England; ~ the ten busiest ports in England; ~ the seven busiest airports in England; and Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland,

Where there is evidence of substantial strategic traffic flows (roads whose total or HGV traffic flows are within the top 20% for GB trunk roads in England, and/or evidence of substantial strategic rail passenger or freight flows).

By exception, SNCs may also include infrastructure or services, which do not satisfy the above criteria if they provide the only access to a strategic port or airport.

Box B: Proposed new definition of SNCs SNCs shall link two or more of the strategic destinations (a-d below): ~ the ten largest cities in England; ~ the ten busiest ports in England; ~ the seven busiest airports in England; and Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland.

Where there is evidence of substantial strategic traffic flows (roads whose total or HGV traffic flows are within the top 20% for GB trunk roads in England, and/or evidence of substantial strategic rail passenger or freight flows).

Additionally, a direct road and rail link shall be provided between the nearest of the ten largest cities in England, and Edinburgh, Cardiff and Belfast respectively.

By exception, SNCs may also include infrastructure or services, which do not satisfy the above criteria if they provide the only access to an international gateway Strategic Destination.

Proposed Response

BO1/02 Do you agree that the criteria in Box A should be replaced with the criteria in Box B when determining the Strategic National Corridors?

The desire to reflect the importance of the capital cities of Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland is acknowledged. However whilst they may contribute a

significant proportion to the overall GDP of their respective nations, in overall terms the GVA of some of these cities is relatively small. Given that the criteria of defining Strategic National Corridors (SNCs) will influence future investment priorities we would be concerned if the inclusion of the requirement to provide direct transport links to capital cities was to the detriment of those parts of the North West that may not be one of the ten largest cities but nonetheless make a significant contribution to the national economy.

The proposed criteria have removed specific reference to the 'ten busiest port in England’ from the list of strategic destinations. Due to the national importance the direct references to ports into the criteria should be reinstated.

The Eddington Transport Study (December 2006) identified that UK Ports are international gateways and are critical to the functioning of the national transport system and to the economic success of the nation. They are vital nodes in the supply chains of British industry and support the international competitiveness of the English regions making significant contributions to national, regional and local economies. They support a number of wider economic benefits, which contribute significantly to regional image, competitiveness, productivity and connectivity and also support regeneration and agglomeration activities.

The “North West Ports Economic Trends and Land Use Study” published in 2009 (see http://www.nwda.co.uk/publications/infrastructure/northwest-ports-economic- tre.aspx ), for example, estimated that for every job generated in a port another 1.74 jobs will be generated elsewhere in the economy.

The key role of the Liverpool Superport concept and the need to improve its international connectivity was recognised in 2010 in “Future North West: Our Shared Priorities” (see http://www.nwda.co.uk/media- library/publications/strategy/future-north-west-interim.aspx ), when it was identified as one of the 12 big ticket priority issues which need to be addressed, if the North West and particularly Merseyside is to achieve its aspirations to develop a world class and resilient sustainable economy, attractive to private investment, with an excellent quality of life.

2.2 Road Links – Access to Belfast via Twelve Quays Ferry Terminal in Birkenhead

The M62, and M57 and A5036 are both currently included, providing access to Liverpool, the M62 to the urban area and the M57 and A5036 to Liverpool Freeport and the Seaforth Container Terminal, However, neither provide direct access to the ferry terminal where Belfast passenger and freight ferries dock.

Having considered alternative routes, which provide links to Belfast via various ports, the DfT have identified the Twelve Quays Ferry Terminal in Birkenhead as providing the most suitable ferry link to Belfast for both passengers and freight.

Alternatives considered included Stranraer and Holyhead (with traffic having to travel via ). Though both routes provide comparative journey times between Liverpool and Belfast (due to the shorter sea crossings), they both

involve a significant additional distance to be travelled by road. The comparative journey times for freight would be less advantageous than for car passengers.

With this in mind the DfT have identified three potential routes which link the Strategic National Corridors through, or around, Liverpool, to the Twelve Quays Ferry Terminal.

Advantages of Disadvantages of Identification Identification Proposed Bootle to Twelve Route involves Slightly complicated route Quays shortest extension to in Liverpool. SNC. Relies on the Kingsway Route provides Tunnel for connectivity. connectivity to Seaforth Container Alternative M57 Junction 4 to Terminal and Majority of route runs 1 Twelve Quays Liverpool Freeport. through a busy urban area. Connects Liverpool Route lies on the Kingsway with ferry terminal. Tunnel for connectivity. Provides a shorter, Does not provide more direct route to connectivity with other . docks in Liverpool. Directly links Liverpool to ferry terminal. Alternative M56 J15 to Simple, Does not directly link the 2 Twelve Quays straightforward route, nearest Strategic suitable for freight Destination (Liverpool) to vehicles. ferry terminal (route is via Does not rely on M62, M6, M56 and M53). Mersey Tunnels Does not provide connectivity with other docks in Liverpool.

Proposed Response

BB09/10 Do you agree that Twelve Quays Ferry Terminal Birkenhead is the most appropriate ferry terminal to provide connectivity between Liverpool and Belfast?

The Twelve Quays Ferry Terminal at Birkenhead is the only ferry terminal that offers services between Liverpool and Belfast. The comments in the consultation document that the alternatives at Stranraer and Holyhead are less attractive as they would involve a significant additional distance to be travelled by road, furthermore the ferry services from Holyhead only serve Dublin and not Belfast is supported. Twelve Quays on the other hand is more centrally located in the UK closer to large population centres and offers direct services to Belfast (whilst direct services to Dublin are provided from Liverpool Freeport). This should lead to shorter road haulage distances to Belfast from the strategic destinations; thereby supporting the Government's to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

BB11/12 Do you agree that the route from Bootle to Twelve Quays Ferry Terminal is the most appropriate route for inclusion in the SNC infrastructure/service maps?

It is proposed that the route that includes the A565 in Sefton from the Borough Boundary to Seaforth roundabout should be supported. However, it is also suggested that the DfT should extend the Preferred Route from Bootle to Twelve Quays, onwards to then include all of Alternative Route 2 from Twelve Quays down to M56 Junction 15.

This combined route would have a number of distinct advantages over the preferred route.

§ It provides connectivity to Seaforth Container Terminal and Liverpool Freeport, for road transhipment between Atlantic container cargoes and Irish Sea trade, and connects Liverpool with a ferry terminal that provides a direct service to Belfast (and Dublin). This aligns well with the broader ‘Liverpool Superfport’ concept which is a key driver of the Merseyside (and the wider North West) economy seeking to bring together and integrating the strengths of the Mersey Ports along the , Liverpool John Lennon Airport and the freight community for freight and passenger operations within the .

To this end the key role of the Liverpool Superport concept and the need to improve its international connectivity was recognised in 2010 in “Future North West: Our Shared Priorities”, when it was identified as one of the 12 big ticket priority issues which need to be addressed, if the North West is to achieve its aspirations to develop a world class and resilient sustainable economy, attractive to private investment, with an excellent quality of life.

§ Inclusion of the M53 as a SNC (and also as part of the Strategic Road Network (SRN) would

Ø Provide more direct access to Twelve Quays for freight and HGV traffic travelling from the south.

Ø (The Mersey partnership ‘Superport’ study shows that the hinterland of accompanied and unaccompanied RO-RO traffic to the (as a whole) includes a significant proportion which comes from southern and central Britain – for whom the M53 route would be an attractive option). Ø Provide the shortest route to Twelve Quays from the Midlands (Birmingham) via the existing SNC network of the M56/M6. Ø Reduce traffic impacts in Liverpool and Sefton, where there are designated Air Quality management plans and concerns about the potential impact on the World Heritage Site designation Ø Reduce unnecessary trips and congestion through the Kingsway Tunnel which would assist tunnel management/flows/maintenance. Ø Recognise the benefits of the Government funding being invested to strengthen Junction 1 of the M53 (Bidston Moss Viaduct). Ø provide ‘loop’ connectivity /improved network resilience and enable alternative route options to be deployed to maintain access to Twelve Quays and Seaforth from the M56 should there be a major incident on the fM6 / M62 /M57. Ø Recognise the role fo the motorway in accessing: future prot activity proposed at Ellesmere Port by Peel Holdings and future Housing Growth Point and Port activity at Birkenhead Docks (), as well as at Twelve Quays.

2.3 Future Reviews

Whichever route is finally designated as a SNC, the Council would support the request of the North West Regional Leaders Board for the need to review the network in 5 years time, to take account of the implications of designation and the Post PANAMAX terminal coming into operation.

Before designating the SNC, the DfT needs to take on board the findings of the soon to be completed Port of Liverpool Access Study.

3.0 Conclusions

3.1 The main impact of designation the A565 in Sefton as a Strategic National Corridor would be to raise its profile with regard to future investment, with the responsibility for this resting with the Secretary of State. As indicated the Council would maintain responsibility for its day to day maintenance.

4.0 Recommendation

4.1 It is recommended that Cabinet Member Technical Services approves the proposed responses to the consultation question as set out in the report.