CIHT welcomes today’s announcement by the Government of a £9bn package of investment in the railways (Full announcement can be found here.)

 

Transport Secretary, Justine Greening described the investment as "absolutely key to securing our country's prosperity in the decades ahead".

Investment and modernisation of Britain’s transport infrastructure is vital in helping to get the economy moving. CIHT have long called for an integrated long-term vision for transport and hope that the Government can develop and integrate railway upgrades and new projects into the overall transport strategy for roads, rail and air, improving the connectivity of whole country.  Improvements in rail through the electrification of many of Britain’s existing networks will create a more reliable and faster journey time and help contribute towards the country’s green agenda.

CIHT are supportive of improving the efficiency of the existing rail network. The economic benefits of an upgraded system would be to the benefit of all. The shifting of freight off the road and increased passenger numbers onto trains would help ease congestion on our roads.  A 5% reduction in travel time for all business and freight travel on the roads alone could generate around £2.4billion of cost savings*.

CIHT do however have concerns about today’s announcement.  We note that this investment will not start until 2014 and believe that the economy needs the investment boost now.

Rail fares are continuing to increase, and passengers seem set to bear the brunt of rail improvement costs with an increase in rail prices. CIHT are concerned that passengers will be paying for these improvements via increased fares, which far from encouraging people onto our rail network may in fact drive them back to the car. The Government must work hard to make trains a financially, reliable alternative to the car.
 
Sue Percy CIHT’s CEO said “I am encouraged with today’s announcement. I welcome the Government’s emphasis on the importance that transport infrastructure plays in future economic growth. CIHT calls for a balanced investment programme that focuses on transport infrastructure as a whole, creating jobs and acting as a catalyst to economic recovery”.

*Sir Rod Eddington (2006), ibid

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
t: +44 (0) 20 7336 1567  m: 07912122573 e: Daniel.Isichei@ciht.org.uk  
www.ciht.org.uk