LEADERS from across the South East have launched an ambitious new partnership to transform the transport network.

Transport for the South East (TfSE) will speak with a single voice on the area’s transport priorities.

It will devise an integrated transport strategy to focus the attention of Government ministers on the area’s needs and will directly influence when and where money is invested in the South East’s transport network.

Councillor Gill Mitchell, chairwoman of Brighton and Hove City Council’s environment, transport and sustainability committee, said: “Regional economic prosperity is dependent on a good regional transport system.

“The new body will help the region set the right transport priorities, make our transport systems better joined up and improve co-ordination of spending so we get more for our money.”

The new partnership brings together the area’s 16 transport authorities and five local enterprise partnerships to work directly with the Department for Transport.

It will also involve road and rail-builders Highways England and Network Rail, transport operators, transport users and other key interest groups.

A sub-national transport body, TfSE is currently operating in shadow form but intends to secure full Government backing and statutory powers within two years.

Councillor Keith Glazier, leader of East Sussex County Council is chairman of the new group.