Plans for giving the north of England new transport powers are to be unveiled within weeks, according to deputy prime minister Nick Clegg.

Mr Clegg told the Northern Echo that devolution proposals over roads, rail and buses are to be fast-tracked to ensure the English regions are not left behind in the wake of the Scottish independence vote.

His 'Northern Futures' initiative, which is aimed at developing ideas to devolve power away from Whitehall, is to reach conclusions by early November. Chancellor George Osborne, who has prioritised northern transport, will be able to draw on its recommendations in a mini-Budget the following month.

Proposals to be put forward include allowing more local decision-making for road schemes, giving northern transport authorities control over rail franchises and ending the "free for-all" of privately-run buses.

The deputy prime minister described decentralisation as "a massive opportunity for the north, because it means we can finally push for some big powers over how to raise money, over skills, over the delivery of local, public services".