The haulage industry has found an ally in its long running battle to get the UK government to speed up the pace of infrastructure investment.
According to the 2015 CBI/AECOM survey of UK businesses, published this week, over two thirds of firms surveyed want to see faster delivery of infrastructure projects with over half believing they won’t see necessary upgrades in the next five years.
The UK’s roads are of particular concern to them with over 90% concerned about the poor quality of the UK’s roads, 89% seeing investment in motorways and local roads as crucial or beneficial, and more than half (56%) wanting to see further increases in spending, rising to two thirds (67%) in Scotland and Wales.
Whilst the government has committed to spending £15bn on England’s roads over the next five years both the RHA and the FTA are concerned about the pace of that delivery and how quickly these projects will pass through the planning system.
The CBI and AECOM echo their concerns. Whilst giving the government credit for creating the national Infrastructure Commission they warn against a loss of momentum in delivering the necessary projects to get the country’s economy on the move.
Speaking at the launch of the survey this week Richard Robinson, civil infrastructure CEO at AECOM, spells it out: “Political procrastination over infrastructure threatens economic growth and jeopardises investment. When infrastructure decisions are deferred, business takes the hit.”
He adds: “Industry needs the government to maintain a clear and consistent vision, and to have the courage to make politically charged decisions when they are in the long-term interests of the country.
"Delays and never-ending reviews of vital infrastructure stall progress and help nobody.”
Let’s hope the government take note.