The Chartered Institution of Highways & Transportation (CIHT) held its first national conference at the CBI in London on 19 March 2014.

Delegates heard from a wide range of speakers looking at how the UK relies on an efficient transport network to support economic growth and social development.

Nicola Walker, Business Environment Director, CBI outlined the Role of Infrastructure in UK’s Economic Growth & Development, Professor Stephen Glaister, Director, RAC Foundation gave a challenging overview of the National Infrastructure Plan and Sir John Armitt, Chairman of the Olympic Delivery Authority revealed how the recommendations of the Armitt Review how would make a real difference to achieving successful delivery of long term infrastructure plans.

Sheila Holden CIHT President said:

“CIHT is at the heart of the industry – we have unique links to clients, consultants, contractors and academia.  We will be using this unique position to influence and lead the agenda for our sector.

“We want to see not only a longer term commitment to funding but we believe that we need a National Strategy for Transport to help shape the strategic future of our economy & society.

“Using what we have heard today we will continue to advocate start the debate around the need for a long-term transportation infrastructure investment programme that will ensure the sustained economic recovery and growth of the nation.

“We believe such a programme would:

• create and retain jobs,
• enhance the quality of our towns and cities,
• increase accessibility and social inclusion
• improve health and wellbeing
• and deliver economic prosperity for this and future generations.”

Other speakers included:

Alan Cook, Chairman of the Highways Agency & Non-Executive Director of the Department for Transport looking at a fresh start for the Strategic Road Network

Simon Linnett, Vice Chairman, Rothschild and Chairman, Independent Transport Commission gave an overview of future funding and financing options for infrastructure plans

David Middleton, Chief Executive, Transport Scotland provided an insight into Transport Infrastructure Planning in Scotland

Calvin Lloyd, Head of Long Term Planning and Funding, Network Rail, on long term planning for the nation’s railways

Nigel Tipple, Chief Executive, Oxfordshire Local Enterprise Partnership outlined the role of LEPs in bidding for funding for transport via the Single Local Growth Fund

Michèle Dix, Managing Director, Planning, Transport for London, showed how London’s Transport Infrastructure is funded and delivered.

Dr Mike Short, Vice-President of Telefonica Europe, discussed the benefits of technology in facilitating integrated transport solutions

ENDS

Notes for editors

A copy of the programme is available here:

Chartered Institution of Highways & Transportation

CIHT is a membership organisation representing over 12,500 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
e: daniel.isichei@ciht.org.uk  t: +44(0)20 7336 1567 m: 07912 122573 www.ciht.org.uk