Over the coming months, Sheffield Council will develop a new Transport Strategy for the city. Sheffield Labour is today setting out what we think should be included in the new strategy.

Labour is calling for a new plan that will cut congestion and make journeys safer and more affordable. Our ambitious plans include expanding the tram network, reopening rail lines, public control of buses and trams, making it easier to make journeys by bike and on foot, and plans to tackle congestion.

Labour’s proposals will be put forward at a meeting of all councillors next Wednesday (06 September). The full content of Labour’s motion is included below.

Cllr Ben Miskell, Chair of Transport, Regeneration and Climate Policy Committee:

“The people of Sheffield need a transport system that gets them from A-to-B quickly, safely and affordably. Upgrading our transport infrastructure is essential to grow Sheffield’s economy, tackle congestion, reduce emissions, improve air quality and improve physical health.

“There needs to be a firm plan to tackle congestion across the city, with a focus on hotspots, such as in parts of south-east Sheffield.

“We want to see the tram network expanded, and to re-open rail lines for tram-train and rail services. This would include to Stocksbridge, as well as along the Sheaf Valley and the Barrow Hill line through south-east Sheffield, with the potential for new stations, including at Beighton.

“Labour is committed to public control of our buses, tram and rail. South Yorkshire’s Mayor Oliver Coppard has started the process of bus franchising, so there is greater local control of routes and fares. It’s our job to ensure the council can take full advantage of these benefits.

“It’s essential that it is easier to make journeys on foot and by bike. We want to go further and faster in the rollout of 20mph zones and school streets, so that families have safe journeys to and from school.

“Our ambitious plans come from listening to the people of Sheffield. As part of the development of the new transport strategy we want to see public consultation and involvement.

Louise Haigh, MP for Sheffield Heeley and Shadow Secretary of State for Transport, said:

“In the middle of a cost of living crisis and a climate crisis, it’s more important than ever that we have a decent, affordable and accessible public transport system and it is fantastic that Sheffield Labour have the vision to deliver this.

“Public ownership and expansion of our trains, buses and trams will reverse the spiral of decline we’ve seen over recent years, it will help create jobs in Sheffield, grow our economy and give local people more opportunity.

“That’s why Labour government has prioritised taking back control of our buses and our trains and investing in the infrastructure that the north deserves.”

What happens next?

Labour’s motion will be debated at a Full Council meeting on Wednesday 06 September. The whole meeting agenda can be found here: https://democracy.sheffield.gov.uk/ieListDocuments.aspx?CId=154&MId=8831

Full motion wording below:

Notice Of Motion Regarding “Quicker, Safer, Affordable Journeys” – Given By Councillor Ben Miskell And To Be Seconded By Councillor Craig Gamble Pugh

That this Council:-

(a)      welcomes the move to develop a new Sheffield Transport Strategy;

(b)      believes that the people of Sheffield need a transport system that gets them from A-to-B quickly, safely and affordably;

(c)      believes that upgrading our transport infrastructure is essential to grow Sheffield’s economy, tackle congestion, reduce emissions, improve air quality and improve physical health;

(d)      believes that upgrading our transport infrastructure will provide people with greater choice about how to make journeys;

(e)      believes that Sheffield and South Yorkshire have been badly let down by 13 years of government underinvestment in transport infrastructure, and further notes the Government’s track record of broken promises from cancelling the eastern leg of HS2, to scrapping the electrification of Midland Mainline, and chronically underfunding our buses;

(f)       supports bus franchising and welcomes the work by South Yorkshire’s Mayor to accelerate the franchising process;

(g)      believes that congestion can be reduced through active travel schemes, improving public transport and upgrading key road junctions, and believes that sustainable development must be supported by sufficient transport infrastructure;

(h)      believes that an ambitious transport strategy will help to attract investment from the private sector and national government;

(i)       calls on the Transport, Regeneration and Climate Policy Committee to ensure the public has a say in designing the new strategy; and

(j)       believes that, from listening to residents throughout the city, it is clear that the prioritisation of the below in the strategy would be hugely welcome:-

(i)       a plan to tackle congestion across the city, with a focus on hotspots, such as in parts of south-east Sheffield;

(ii)       an ambitious vision to expand the tram network;

(iii)      re-opening rail lines for tram-train and rail services including to Stocksbridge, along the Sheaf Valley and the Barrow Hill line through south-east Sheffield, with the potential for new stations, including at Beighton;

(iv)      a plan to realise the benefits of bringing buses and trams under public control, such as shared ticketing arrangements and designing bus services that link with tram stops;

(v)      a plan to ensure all parts of Sheffield from Stocksbridge to Mosborough have frequent, reliable buses;

(vi)      a plan to upgrade cycling infrastructure, particularly with segregated cycle routes;

(vii)     a clear focus on improving the pedestrian experience, recognising the enormous health benefits of walking;

(viii)    accelerating the rollout of 20mph zones and school streets so that families have safe journeys to and from school; and

(ix)      restoring the direct rail link between Sheffield and Manchester airport.