West Midlands mayor ‘profoundly concerned’ by transport delays

The West Midlands mayor said he was “profoundly concerned” by rising costs and possible delays to the region’s transport schemes. 

A number of major projects, including the expansion of the West Midlands Metro, are at risk because of enormous cost pressures, bosses have warned.

Labour mayor Richard Parker said an independent review into the projects had been ordered to help plan “more effectively” and deliver schemes on time and on budget.

He added that he was committed to delivering the current projects but needed clear timescales in place to complete them.

“I’ve heard the briefing from civil servants who have told me that we can’t deliver the projects to the previous timescales and they’re going to need a lot more money,” Mr Parker told BBC Politics Midlands.

He said he was expecting the results from the independent review later this year.

In a report published earlier this week, the West Midlands Combined Authority (WMCA) blamed the financial squeeze on excessive inflation, supply chain issues and other problems like contractors going into administration.

It could see projects including the Camp Hill rail scheme, Dudley interchange and metro extension delayed.

The former Conservative mayor, Andy Street, reacted angrily to the news, saying he had left “an incredible pipeline of funded projects including new rail stations, metro routes, bus improvement measures, and active travel schemes”.

Conservative MP for Aldridge-Brownhills, Wendy Morton, told the programme money had been in the budget for Aldridge station, adding that it had been secured by herself and Mr Street.

“To turn around and say ‘no the money isn’t there’ – it was there for Aldridge,” she said.

Ms Morton added that she was “adamant” the station could have been delivered on time.

“So I’m looking to you Richard for a commitment that you will deliver that station by 2027,” she said.

Labour MP Taiwo Owatemi said her Coventry North West constituency would welcome the independent review because bus services in the city were not at the standard expected.

“I’m hoping this review will deliver better bus services coming on time, routes that take into account the local people and for it to be affordable,” she added.