Government plans to devolve more powers as part of its Levelling Up agenda will be discussed by regional transport experts at this year’s Smart Transport Conference taking place at The Queen’s Hotel in Leeds on May 10.

The one-day conference brings together senior public and private sector transport leaders from across the UK in person. It will feature keynote presentations, as well as eight breakout sessions covering active travel, confidence in public transport, funding, electric vehicle and alternative fuel infrastructure, transport data, rural transport solutions and much more.

Cllr Louise Gittins, Vice Chair, Transport for the North and Leader of the Council, Cheshire West and Chester Council will deliver a keynote presentation that will give an overview of how Transport for the North’s work on decarbonisation is relevant to Cheshire, as well as the big cities across the region, and will address the Government’s plans to devolve more transport powers as part of its Levelling Up agenda.

Gittins said: “Our vision is to see a system where every person and business has access to high quality, accessible and affordable zero carbon transport.

“Transport plays a huge role in our daily lives, and we are committed to creating a system that provides high quality mobility solutions and addresses long-standing barriers to accessibility.

“Transport for the North will be advocating on behalf of the region, and working with Government to provide strategic leadership and support for the delivery of an integrated and sustainable transport system.”

Cllr Liam Robinson, chair of Merseytravel Transport Committee, Liverpool City Region Combined Authority transport portfolio will also respond to the Government’s recent Levelling Up white paper to comment on how this aligns with the region’s transport and decarbonisation ambitions, as well as funding needs.

Expert speakers from across the public and private sector will also be available for thought provoking breakout session presentations that challenge traditional thinking.

• Getting creative with transport data
• Boosting confidence in public transport
• Funding the future: where money comes from and how to secure it
• Rural mobility challenges and solutions
• The future of urban and national logistics
• Transitioning to active travel solutions
• Electric vehicle and alternative fuel infrastructure
• Place-based solutions: transport decarbonisation across the north of England

A special active travel breakout session will see three expert speakers investigate the biggest challenges facing towns and cities that are looking to drastically reduce private car travel and boost more sustainable modes of transport like cycling and walking

Other keynotes at the event will be delivered by Professor Sarah Sharples, chief scientific adviser, Department for Transport and James Heath, National Infrastructure Commission chief executive.

The Smart Transport Conference will take place at The Queens Hotel, Leeds, on Tuesday, May 10.

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