Media Release – CIHT on National Infrastructure Plan 2013

The government today released the National Infrastructure Plan 2013 (NIP2013) at an event held in London at the Institution of Civil Engineers.

Lord Deighton (Commercial Secretary to the Treasury) set out the 5 aims of the National Infrastructure Plan 2013
•    The Government’s vision and strategic objectives for UK Infrastructure
•    Assess the needs, now and in the future
•    The Government’s policy approach
•    Identifying priority projects
•    Provide a plan for delivery

Danny Alexander (Chief Secretary to the Treasury) also announced:
•    Fund improvements to the A50 around Uttoxeter starting no later than 2015 to 2016.
•    That there will be no tolling on the planned A14 scheme between Cambridge and Huntingdon, construction of which is planned to start in 2016.
•    The Infrastructure Pipeline published alongside the plan a comprehensive overview of planned and potential UK infrastructure investment.
•    That six major insurers will invest £25 billion over the next five years

CIHT welcomes the NIP 2013 committing continued investment to the UK’s transport infrastructure. A fully functioning transport system is essential to underpinning a successful economy and is at the forefront of CIHT’s vision for a prosperous economic future for the UK.

Sue Percy, CIHT Chief Executive said:

“Transport infrastructure plays a vital role across the whole spectrum of society and impacts on both economic growth and social development. A balanced long-term investment programme that focuses on transport infrastructure will retain and create jobs and provide a major catalyst for sustained economic recovery.”

“The funding and delivery of UK infrastructure needs to change to ensure that the UK competes globally.  Funding sources need to be in place over the short, medium and longer term. CIHT welcomes the confirmation that six insurers will invest £25 billion over the next five years.”

“The information outlined in the NIP 2013 is helpful but CIHT continues to call for projects to be delivered on time, effectively and consistently.

We continue to work with Government and Infrastructure Alliance on the industry led ‘Building a World Class Highways Supply Chain’ initiative.  The project seeks to develop the skills and capabilities of the highways sector”.

CIHT will be producing a more detailed analysis of the National Infrastructure Plan over the next few days.

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
daniel.isichei@ciht.org.uk  t: +44(0)20 7336 1567 m: 07912 122573 www.ciht.org.uk