FTA calls for more spending on transport infrastructure
'If Whitehall won't pay, then use private funding'
The Freight Transport Association (FTA) has written to the UK government urging investment in transport infrastructure or face extra costs from congestion.
In a letter to Transport Secretary Philip Hammond, the FTA set out where it believes government should be directing future transport spending, and how industry-led initiatives can be trusted to achieve greater results.
FTA CEO Theo de Pencier said: “As economic activity begins to grow, so too will levels of congestion and, with it, unreliability.
“Investment in transport schemes has been proven to yield very impressive returns, in some cases achieving ratios of £8 (US$12) for every £1 spent by government.”
“Signs indicate that freight activity is on the rise again, and we need a transport network that is fit for purpose, otherwise the cost to the economy could be enormous.”
The FTA pointed out that the Eddington transport study, commissioned by the government and published in 2006, revealed that increasing congestion in England alone could cost £25 billion every year.
De Pencier added: “We are pleased that the government recognises that cutting capital spending on infrastructure can be counter-productive when the economy is in dire straits.
“If the public purse is not an option, then perhaps private sector funding can provide the answer for much-needed transport infrastructure investment.”
In a letter to Transport Secretary Philip Hammond, the FTA set out where it believes government should be directing future transport spending, and how industry-led initiatives can be trusted to achieve greater results.
FTA CEO Theo de Pencier said: “As economic activity begins to grow, so too will levels of congestion and, with it, unreliability.
“Investment in transport schemes has been proven to yield very impressive returns, in some cases achieving ratios of £8 (US$12) for every £1 spent by government.”
“Signs indicate that freight activity is on the rise again, and we need a transport network that is fit for purpose, otherwise the cost to the economy could be enormous.”
The FTA pointed out that the Eddington transport study, commissioned by the government and published in 2006, revealed that increasing congestion in England alone could cost £25 billion every year.
De Pencier added: “We are pleased that the government recognises that cutting capital spending on infrastructure can be counter-productive when the economy is in dire straits.
“If the public purse is not an option, then perhaps private sector funding can provide the answer for much-needed transport infrastructure investment.”
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