PLANS to transform transport across Hampshire and Southampton in a move that would create more than 20,000 jobs have been unveiled.

Faster trains between Southampton and London, a “real-terms” freeze on rail fares, cheaper off-peak fares, better walking and cycling infrastructure and lower speed limits are among the measures that could be taken over the next 30 years as part of a scheme that would transform the way people travel across Hampshire.

Civic chiefs claim the strategy would increase productivity in the South East from £183bn to between £450bn and £500bn, creating 500,000 jobs, with up to 25,000 new jobs being created in Southampton.

Better public access to the Port of Southampton, transport hubs that would include park and ride, better connectivity to Gatwick Airport from Hampshire, trams and more buses in rural areas are also among the actions that could be taken over the next 30 years.

New hubs where residents would be able to grab a coffee, rent an electric vehicle and collect their shopping could also be created across Southampton as part of the scheme.

The new measures were revealed in a draft produced by Transport for the South East (TfSE), a partnership between local authorities, business leaders and transport organisations in the South East.

Details of the scheme are yet to be revealed, but the residents and businesses are now being asked to have their say on the plans.

Cllr Jacqui Rayment, cabinet member for place and transport at Southampton City Council, said: “Southampton and surrounding areas are home to deprived wards and suffer from poor air quality and noise pollution. However these areas can be improved through better transport connectivity and enjoy a greater quality of life as part of the TfSE transport strategy.”

The plans have also revealed that the strategy aims to reduce carbon emissions to net zero by 2050. It is not yet known how many jobs will be created across the rest of Hampshire.

Cllr Rob Humby, executive member for Economy, Transport and Environment at Hampshire County Council, said: “The Transport for the South East (TfSE) strategy highlights how better transport links can support economic growth around our key international gateways, such as the Port of Southampton, which are vital to the local, regional and national economy. Hampshire has been part of TfSE from the start. With major motorways and national routes running through the county and important rail freight links between the Midlands and the Port of Southampton the right investment in road and rail infrastructure is essential. Securing improvements to these networks, which are already close to capacity, is essential for the future prosperity not only of Hampshire and the South East, but also the whole country."

According to the plans, the strategy aims to support sustainable travel across the South East and focus on rail, bus, walking and cycling. The final transport strategy is to be published in April 2020, with a strategic investment plan expected to be published in 2021. Public consultation on the draft will close on January 10, 2020. To have your say visit tfse.org.uk/transport-strategy.