Hull and Humber Chamber of Commerce

The Hull & Humber Chamber of Commerce is today announcing its Transport Priorities for the Humber following a consultation with its region’s businesses.

The key transport priorities for the Humber will be presented to Mary Creagh, Shadow Secretary of State for Transport, when she attends as the guest speaker at a Chamber Lunch on Thursday, July 17, at the Oaklands Hotel in Laceby.

Chamber Chief Executive Dr Ian Kelly said: “Transport improvements are the key to unlocking substantial jobs and growth prospects in this part of the world over the next decade.

“This list of priorities is the result of discussions with the business community right across the Humber and reflects a clear business call to ensure transport priorities are not diluted after the next Election when another round of austerity cuts will be needed to deal the burgeoning national debt.”

Following a drinks reception and canapes at 11.45am on the terrace, Mary Creagh will also set out her strategy on transport nationally and in the region and will seek more detailed information on the business transport priorities presented.

A vote of thanks will be given by Austin Mitchell MP and the event will be hosted by Chamber President, Tim Durkin.

Prior to the lunch, the Chamber is running one of its popular Speed Networking sessions from 10.30am until 11.45am.

To book your place on these events, call Marilyn Waud, on (01472) 342981.

TRANSPORT PRIORITIES FOR THE HUMBER REGION

Humber Bridge Tolls – Reduce tolls to £1 or guarantee a permanent cap on tolls at £1.50.
Castle Street – Major improvement works to Hull’s main artery to start on time in 2015 and to include an “iconic” bridge from the city centre to the Marina.
A160 – Improved road access to the expanding Immingham port facilities to start on schedule in 2015.
Low Sulphur Emissions – Extend the implementation period to 2018 to allow North Sea ship operators further transition time towards fitting low sulphur “scrubbers” as well as more time for the market to increase the volume of low sulphur fuel available for ships.
Electrification of the Hull to Selby railway line to be guaranteed before the start of Hull City of Culture 2017.
Grimsby/Cleethorpes to Manchester Airport – Guarantee to continue a direct TransPennine rail service to Manchester Airport.
Grimsby/Cleethorpes direct service to London – Reintroduction of direct rail services from Grimsby/Cleethorpes to London in the next round of franchises.
HS3 – Ensure any proposed new HS3 route across northern England includes links from Hull to Liverpool as well as Leeds to Manchester.
Prioritise regional airport links – greater access and integration with UK based international hubs and support for growth strategies.
Site development for Renewables sector – Improvements to site access and infrastructure for the fast growing renewables industry on the Humber.
Upgrade to A614/A165 – Improvements to A614 and A165 to reduce journey times from Bridlington to York, the M62 and A1.
A15 Lincoln to M180 – Upgrading of A15 to dual carriageway to improve safety and cut journey times to Northern Lincolnshire.