Have your say on the future of transport in the region

The North East Combined Authority (neca) is setting the wheels in motion for plans to launch a 20-year Transport Manifesto that covers both urban and rural areas of Northumberland, North Tyneside, Newcastle, Gateshead, South Tyneside and Sunderland.

The manifesto, Our Journey, will feed into the local transport plan for the combined authority area and will set out how neca intends to deliver on its ambition to promote affordable, attractive, reliable, safe, healthy transport choices for businesses, residents and visitors.

The consultation will look at a variety of transport options including road, rail, air and sea.

Northumberland County Councillor Allan Hepple, vice chairman of Transport North East Committee, said: "It's important people take this opportunity to put their views forward.

"As a largely rural county, many residents and visitors will have first-hand experience of the difficulties that can be faced in travelling between areas using public transport.

"If we are to develop the infrastructure and grow the economy of this region it's vital the right transport options are in place. This consultation is a great opportunity for people to have their say on future plans."

neca says the Transport Manifesto will help to empower the region and reinforce its position of being a national and international force. It will allow the subject of transport to underline its importance in areas such as economic growth, the environment and health.

It will also offer the chance to discuss and raise the public profile of sustainable travel such as walking, cycling, public transport and car sharing that helps to reduce carbon emissions into the environment and minimise local air pollution.

North Tyneside Councillor John Harrison, vice chairman of Transport North East Committee, said: "We strongly believe that by working together to get the correct transport infrastructure in place, the region's economy will be in a great position to prosper.

"It is important that residents and visitors to the North East are able to rely on good transport and this manifesto is a significant step forward towards reaching our goal."

To take part, visit www.northeastca.gov.uk/transport-north-east-and-transport-manifesto or ring 0191 2771156 for a hard copy of the consultation to be posted out.

The closing date for responses is Friday, April 8.