Representation by Transport for the South East (Transport for the South East)
- Date submitted
- 13 March 2023
- Submitted by
- Other statutory consultees
Transport for the South East (TfSE) is a sub-national transport body (STB), which provides a single voice on the transport interventions needed to support sustainable economic growth across its geography. The South East is crucial to the UK economy and is the nation’s major international gateway for people and business with some of the largest ports and airports in the country. High-quality transport infrastructure is critical to making the South East more competitive, contributing to national prosperity and improving the lives of our residents. TfSE’s transport strategy (2020) set out an ambitious vision for the area. Through area studies, we identified multimodal packages of transport interventions. Underpinned by a credible, evidence based technical programme, we consulted on our draft Strategic Investment Plan (SIP) in the autumn of 2022. When published in spring 2023, the SIP will present a compelling case for decision making. Prioritised in the SIP as part of our Wessex Thames - Highways Package TfSE supports proposals for upgrades to the M3 Junction 9 to improve flow of traffic directly between the M3 and the A34. A pinch point which presents significant reliability and capacity issues on a nationally significant corridor connecting UK manufacturing industries in the North and Midlands with the international Port of Southampton. The A34/M3 also provides a link for commuters and visitors travelling to and from the south coast. The economic benefit of accommodating more freight and unlocking growth in this area is a key objective for TfSE. The upgraded junction will help to unlock additional freight capacity and ensure reliable freight movements away from the Solent ports, increasing their competitiveness and supporting the ambition of the wider Solent Freeport initiative which aims to continue expansion and support 26,000 new jobs in the area. Our transport strategy seeks to deliver sustainable economic growth that achieves the right balance between the economic, social and environmental pillars of sustainable development. This means that any intervention in the area’s transport networks to address connectivity challenges must ensure that the environment is protected and where possible enhanced and that opportunities to improve the health, wellbeing and quality of life for everyone are realised. We welcome the focus given to addressing the environmental challenges and National Highways objective to deliver a scheme that minimises environmental impact and seeks to protect and enhance the quality of the surrounding environment through responsible design. Identified in the SIP and Linked to this scheme is introduction of Smart motorway running from Junction 9 to 14 of the M3 to reduce traffic in Winchester city and other motorway diversion routes. TfSE support the pause to the Smart motorway programme until safety concerns are resolved but the need for capacity improvement of this section of the SRN is a priority and will require an alternative solution if Smart motorway safety issues cannot be resolved.