In response the Institution of Civil Engineers (ICE) Director General Nick Baveystock, said: “Stop-start funding has hampered the management of our strategic roads network for too long, so the provision of longer term funding certainty, and a legal framework to support it, is excellent news and should enable the industry to deliver highways work more efficiently, providing better value for taxpayers. The roads investment strategy is also a positive step but would be more effective if developed as part of a wider transport strategy which is properly joined up across different transport modes.
“Looking to the future however, for the national road network to provide the backbone of the economy, more sustainable funding streams will be required. The intention to continue engagement and build public trust around perceived contentious funding models is welcome, but it is time for a more comprehensive debate on the feasibility of the options. The creation of a Transport Futures Board to investigate practicality, pricing, implementation, and set out the options at arm’s length from Government, could provide a vehicle.”
Last month ICE published State of the Nation : Transport 2013 which recommends:
- Immediate action to improve road conditions, planning and funding
- Clear national transport strategies for all parts of the UK
- Extended devolution of fully-integrated transport powers, particularly to major city-regions.
These priorities are underpinned by a comprehensive suite of complementary recommendations. Transport Minister Stephen Hammond MP welcomed the report calling it an ‘informed and helpful contribution’ to the on-going debate around the key transport infrastructure opportunities and the challenges that the UK faces.”
Download State of the Nation : Transport 2013
Download State of the Nation : Transport 2013 – East of England briefing sheet.
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