Transport Secretary resignation sparks new hope over York Outer Ring Road and Haxby Station

York’s Liberal Democrats are hopeful that last week’s resignation of the Transport Secretary Louise Haigh MP will also mean new hope for the delivery of transport projects for York.

Shortly after coming into office Ms Haigh announced the scrapping of the ‘Restore your Railway’ fund that was due to support the delivery of Haxby Station, with that and other schemes shelved.

There have also been concerns about the future of the York Outer Ring Road dualling project, which has secured planning permission, but is subject to review amid funding concerns.

Councillor Stephen Fenton, Liberal Democrat Transport Spokesperson said:

“I hope that the new Transport Secretary, Heidi Alexander MP, will be looking to rebuild the trust that has been damaged by her predecessor. If she is looking for “oven-ready” projects that will increase connectivity, help reduce city centre through-traffic and help the Government achieve their climate targets then she should fully fund the Haxby Station and York Outer Ring Road projects. 

“Residents are increasingly frustrated by delays in progressing these schemes and there is a growing concern about the commitment of the Labour Government and Council, with the council’s recent Local Transport Strategy Implementation Plan barely mentioning ring road dualling. There is broad cross-party support in York for these projects, and I stand ready to work with anyone who can help move them forward.”