A FORMER North Cornwall MP has been appointed as chair of Peninsula Rail Task Force.

Strategic rail sub-group Peninsula Rail Task Force (PRTF) has revealed that it has appointed a new chair to lead the organisations.

Councillor Dan Rogerson, formerly North Cornwall’s MP between 2005 and 2015, has been named the new chair of PRTF, replacing Councillor Andrea Davis.

The Peninsula Rail Task Force (PRTF) is the strategic rail sub-group for Peninsula Transport. It makes recommendations to the Peninsula Transport Board on rail priorities for the peninsula through its own work with the rail industry.  PRTF was set up in 2013 following severe storms that damaged rail lines across the South West.

Councillor Rogerson is the Liberal Democrat portfolio holder for transport at Cornwall Council and a former MP for North Cornwall. Born and educated in Cornwall, he has spent much of his career advocating for rural communities and infrastructure. His deep understanding of regional and rural transport challenges makes him a passionate and experienced advocate for the future of rail in the Peninsula.

In his new leadership role, Mr Rogerson will work with the board to enhance strategic transport connectivity across the South West, ensuring the region's infrastructure priorities are clearly communicated at the national level. Their combined knowledge and experience will play a vital role in supporting economic growth and improving travel for communities across the region.

During May this year Peninsula Transport STB published its route map to achieving a strategic transport network that works for businesses, communities and visitors in the South West. The Strategic Implementation Plan 2025/50 represents the delivery plan for Peninsula Transport’s Transport Strategy, published in early 2024. It sets out the strategic priorities for the peninsula region across all modes of transport and provides advice to ministers for investment, focusing on; easier journeys, going electric, a connected peninsula, and completing the transport network.

These are set to be achieved by various measures including enhanced rail mobile connectivity, integrated ticketing and better information for public transport; widespread and reliable electric vehicle (EV) charging infrastructure; greater freight connectivity and efficiency; ultra-low emission infrastructure and vehicles; safer and more resilient roads to walking and wheeling connectivity at public transport hubs.

Whilst Peninsula Transport does not directly deliver projects, it sets the strategic priorities for the region, influences and advocates investment in freight, rail and road, and the transport measures and infrastructure necessary for moving to a cleaner, healthier and ultimately, decarbonised transport system. It covers the entire transport system across the peninsula and beyond, from rail to roads and from inter-city freight to rural transport, working with five local transport authorities covering Cornwall, Devon, Plymouth, Somerset and Torbay.

Councillor Dan Rogerson, said: “I’m honoured to chair the PRTF which has represented the South West to advocate for rail investment since 2013. It is vital that we continue to bring together local authorities and the rail industry to present a strong, unified case to the government for strategic rail investment in the region."