Transport funding favours London

Londoners benefit from more money per head on transport spending than all of the other regions combined, according to a new report.

An analysis by the think-tank IPPR North shows that almost half of major transport projects involving public funds benefit only London and the South-east, accounting for 84 per cent of planned spending. This is compared with 6 per cent in the North of England and only 0.04 per cent in the North-east.

Ed Cox, of IPPR North, said: "Of course every country has a capital city and some of London's transport infrastructure wouldn't be happening without the Olympics.

"But if the Government continues to use a system that reinforces the dominance of London and the South-east we'll all be worse off."

PA