CIHT on Autumn Statement: Investment in transport underpins successful economy

Tuesday, 29 November 2011 3:54 PM

CIHT welcomes the Chancellor of the Exchequer’s recognition of the importance of transport infrastructure to the UK's economy. Investment in a fully functioning transport infrastructure is essential to underpinning a successful economy and has been at the forefront of CIHT’s vision for a prosperous economic future for the UK.

CIHT has previously called for the “establishment of a cross-party group to develop and commit to a 20 year strategy for transport infrastructure across the UK.” The Institution has consistently highlighted the vital role that investment in the UK’s Infrastructure will play in helping to move the economy out of recession and is pleased to see this formally recognised in the Chancellor of the Exchequer’s Statement.

The initial project list aimed at improving the Strategic Road Network outlined in the National Infrastructure Plan is encouraging but if the UK is to gain the full economic benefit, this must be extended beyond just these schemes.

CIHT has called for the establishment of a hierarchy in infrastructure investment and believes this announcement by Government supports the Institution’s view that transportation professionals will play a key role in the UK’s economic recovery. CIHT looks forward to working with Government and other stakeholders across the industry in helping achieve a successful future for the UK.

CIHT will be reviewing the statement in more detail and provide some more detailed anaylsis in due course.

Sue Percy said:

“Transport infrastructure plays a vital role across the whole spectrum of society with an impact on both economic and social development. A balanced long-term investment programme that focuses on transport infrastructure will retain and create jobs and provide a major catalyst to the economic recovery and growth of the nation.”

“The current economic climate has provided an opportunity for innovative funding methods to be used to help deliver future infrastructure projects. The proposal to consult on new forms of private funding is welcomed but there are many difficult issues to be addressed before the concept of accessing pension funds to deliver infrastructure improvements can be turned into reality. CIHT is working with the public and private sector to deliver alternative funding models and will be reporting on these to the UK Governments in the New Year.”

“It is unclear whether there has been a clear commitment to the provision of additional funding to take forward key projects in an accelerated programme.”

“Transportation is fundamental to the economic, social and environmental wellbeing of the community. Our society uses the highway network for a wide variety of purposes including work and leisure activities. It enables long and short distance movement of people and goods, access to other transport modes such as rail, air and sea, and is a conduit for delivery of water, energy, information and waste.”

ENDS
Notes for editors

Chartered Institution of Highways & Transportation

CIHT is a membership organisation representing over 12,000 people who work in the highways and transportation sector.

CIHT members plan, design, build, operate and maintain best-in-class transport systems and infrastructure, whilst respecting the imperatives of improving safety, ensuring economic competitiveness and minimising environmental impact.

CIHT supports its member’s professional endeavours by:

· offering training, information, professional development and support

· promoting the value added to society by the profession

· being the focused voice to Governments and other decision makers on transportation expertise and knowledge.

For more information please contact:

Daniel Isichei, Director of Communications, CIHT on t: +44 (0) 20 7336 1567 m: 07912122573 e: Daniel.Isichei@ciht.org.uk

www.ciht.org.uk

Chartered Institution of Highways & Transportation
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