New Transport Secretary promised to deliver the
biggest overhaul to transport in a generation.
The Secretary of State immediately convened officials to begin
work at pace across the department on rail reform, further
devolution of bus powers, ensuring infrastructure works for the
whole country, and supporting local authorities to fix roads for
the long term.
In her first address to Department for Transport (DfT) staff on Monday (8 July
2024), Haigh set out her 5 strategic priorities, putting
transport at the heart of mission-driven government.
They include:
- improving performance on the railways and driving forward
rail reform
- improving bus services and growing usage across the country
- transforming infrastructure to work for the whole country,
promoting social mobility and tackling regional inequality
- delivering greener transport
- better integrating transport networks
Getting straight into action, the Transport Secretary's first
official visit later this week will be focused on plans to
deliver better buses in every corner of the country, beginning a
round of engagement with Mayors and devolved leaders who will be
key delivery partners.
Transport Secretary, , said:
It will take all our effort but the new motto of our department –
our purpose – is simple: move fast and fix things.
Our department is so clearly central to achieving the missions
for government that the Prime Minister has committed us to.
Growth, net zero, opportunity, women and girls' safety, health –
none of these can be realised without transport as a key enabler.
Haigh said DfT
would ‘think about infrastructure and services together at every
turn'.
In her address to staff, she also said the department would
‘focus relentlessly' on improving performance on the railways and
introduce ‘much-needed rail reform'.
The newly-appointed Rail Minister, of Richmond Hill CBE will also bring
decades of experience to help realise the Government's ambition
of transforming infrastructure and improving public transport to
deliver for passengers.
In addition, the Prime Minister has announced the appointment of
new ministers at the Department, including Future of Roads
Minister MP, Local Transport Minister MP, and Aviation, Maritime, and
Security Minister MP.
The Transport Secretary will shortly be attending the Privy
Council to be officially sworn in as Secretary of State.
