Haigh promises biggest overhaul to transport in a generation

The Government's new transport secretary, Louise Haigh, has promised to introduce a raft of reforms to rail and bus services as well as help local authorities fix the country’s roads.

In her first address to Department for Transport (DfT) staff on Monday (July 8), Haigh set out her five strategic priorities.

They include, improving performance on the railways and driving forward rail reform, improving bus services and growing usage across the country, better integrating transport networks and delivering greener transport.

Finally, she has vowed to make infrastructure work for the whole country, promoting social mobility and tackling regional inequality.

She 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 the 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.

Following Haigh’s appointment as transport secretary, the Prime Minister has appointed Lord Peter Hendy as rail minister.

In addition, Sir Keir Starmer has announced that Lilian Greenwood will be the new future of roads minister, Simon Lightwood has been named local transport minister, and Mike Kane takes on the role as aviation, maritime and security minister.

Richard Smith, managing director of the Road Haulage Association (RHA), congratulated Greenwood on her appointment.

“Our sector – HGVs, vans and coaches – play a crucial role to support the Government’s five missions to kickstart growth by moving goods and people reliably and efficiently,” he said.

“We look forward to working with her on solutions to improve our roads, infrastructure and roadside facilities in the months and years ahead.”