- guardian.co.uk, Tuesday November 2 2004 15.29 GMT
The deputy prime minister, John Prescott, has made a last ditch attempt to secure a decisive "yes" vote for the north-east regional assembly referendum, by promising to beef up its transport powers.
The move was widely seen as a final push to secure a "yes" vote ahead of the close of polls this Thursday.
With three voting days left to go, 37.6% of ballot papers have been returned so far among the region's 1.9m voters.
With a last minute surge of votes expected, the final voting figure is likely to exceed the 40% turnout seen in the region in last June's European election.
Mr Prescott raised the temperature last night when he said he had reached agreement with the transport secretary, Alastair Darling, to give a future elected assembly transport powers comparable with those devolved to the Greater London authority.
The GLA has strategic responsibilities for the capital's transport under Transport for London, including setting budgets and fares, and developing new routes.
Mr Prescott said the north-east could see the same powers on its doorstep. This could pave the way for a similar region-wide transport authority to oversee public transport.
Speaking in his capacity as the deputy leader of the Labour party, he said last night: "The elected regional assembly in the north-east will have a far greater say in the transport issues that matter to the region," he said.
"It will determine regional transport strategy, be fully involved in the allocation of local transport plan funding, make proposals on rail improvement and be consulted fully on rail proposals affecting the region, so a "yes" vote will mean a louder, stronger voice for the north-east on transport matters."
Such a move would see the draft regional assemblies bill, laid in parliament this summer, amended to reflect the stronger powers.
The announcement was welcomed by the "yes" campaign. Spokesman John Tomeney said the announcement was part of an "evolving picture" for devolved government.
"John Prescott is indicating the regional assembly will have transport powers equal to the mayor of London. If that is the case, these would be quite substantial powers," Mr Tomeney said.
The "No" For the North-East campaign was unavailable for comment.
