COUNCILS in the South have joined forces in a bid to transform transport across the region.

Sixteen councils across the South East – including Hampshire County Council and councils in Southampton, Portsmouth and the Isle of Wight – are set to work together to deliver transport schemes and work with government to decide how and where money is spent across the region.

The news comes as the so-called Transport for the South East (TfSE) has bid to government to become a statutory sub-national transport body.

If Parliament approves the move, the TfSE will work on a transport and investment plan for the region.

It will also be able to become a statutory partner in road and rail investment decisions, coordinate the delivery of region-wide integrated smart ticketing and work to improve bus services and provide improved alternatives to cars.

Highway bosses said they will be able to speak as “one voice for the South East in agreeing investment priorities with the Secretary of State for Transport”.

Cllr Steve Leggett, cabinet member for  green city and place at Southampton City Council, said the  TfSE bid highlights the importance of working together to set investment priorities for the region.

He added: “Southampton and surrounding areas are home to deprived wards and suffer from poor air quality and noise pollution, so these areas can be improved through better transport connectivity and enjoy a greater quality of life as part of this bid.”

The bid has also been backed by councillors at Hampshire County Council.

Cllr Rob Humby, executive member for economy, transport and environment, said: “An effective, high-quality transport network is vital for the future economic prospects of Hampshire and those who live and work here. It is ever more important for our recovery from the Coronavirus pandemic, and essential if we are to take this opportunity to build back better, deliver initiatives, and innovate to meet our ambitious carbon reduction targets. Hampshire and the wider South East is a gateway to international trade, is a net contributor to the national economy and deserving of a fair share of national investment.”

Cllr Keith Glazier, chair of Transport for the South East, said: “Statutory status will mean we can work with government to decide how and where money is spent on our region’s transport network and give us the powers we need to accelerate schemes and projects which are better for people, better for business and better for the planet.”

The councils which are part of the TfSE are: Bracknell Forest Council; Brighton & Hove City Council; East Sussex County Council; Hampshire County Council; Isle of Wight Council; Kent County Council; Medway Council; Portsmouth City Council ; Reading Borough Council; Royal Borough of Windsor & Maidenhead; Slough Borough Council; Southampton City Council; Surrey County Council; West Sussex County Council; West Berkshire Council; Wokingham Borough Council.