Chancellor unveils £80m Budget boost for West transport

Tim Bowles has said he wants the west to be "more ambitious" when it comes to transport

More than £80m will be spent on improving transport in the west of England, the chancellor has announced.

The money will be given to the West of England Combined Authority to "connect people to jobs and make journeys quicker".

Tim Bowles, the region's first elected mayor, said the funding was a "direct result of devolution".

He added the west's councils would now negotiate "how best to use this funding".

"This new funding is a direct result of devolution, and recognises the significance of our region to the national economy," Mr Bowles said.

"Our population has been rising rapidly and we expect this to continue. We need this investment to support planned future growth."

Chancellor Philip Hammond said he was backing the region with new cash

Earlier this year, joint proposals to improve transport were released by the leaders of Bristol, Bath and North East Somerset and South Gloucestershire councils, and Mr Bowles.

They included plans for new park-and-ride sites, railway stations and improving walking and cycling.

Philip Hammond announced the fund in the wake of his Budget speech earlier. He also revealed:

• Regional mayors would receive a share of a £12m Mayoral Capacity Fund

• £3m would be spent on flood defences in Gloucestershire and Somerset

• Bristol and Bath will become home to a Tech Hub, supporting businesses and skills in the area

"The investments I have announced today back the south west with a significant cash boost for transport improvements to connect people to jobs and make journeys quicker for everybody right across the region," he said.

The Budget received lukewarm praise from some business leaders in the region.

Phil Smith from Business West said Mr Hammond had "played a weak hand with reasonable competence".

"The overall impression remains of a cautious chancellor doing his best in a tight spot, with only limited ability for the government to spend and invest in the things that businesses need or provide a significant boost to economic growth," he said.