CIHT has today launched its ‘Future for Highways & Transportation’ manifesto that outlines the Institution’s proposals and views on key issues affecting the industry today.

CIHT is taking this opportunity to highlight the vital role that investment in the UK’s Infrastructure will play in helping to move the economy out of recession. The Institution hopes to see this formally recognised in the Chancellor of the Exchequer’s Autumn Statement that will be announced at the end of November.

Sue Percy, CIHT Chief Executive said:

“Transportation is fundamental to the economic, social and environmental wellbeing of the community. Our society uses the highway network for a wide variety of purposes including work and leisure activities. It enables long and short distance movement of people and goods, access to other transport modes such as rail, air and sea, and is a conduit for delivery of water, energy, information and waste. It provides links to community meeting places and is fundamental to the creation of a quality street scene.”

“The Future for Highways & Transportation” outlines the key areas where the Institution believes UK Governments can make a real difference. CIHT is keen to explore how UK Governments, in combination with industry, can help to implement the ideas suggested in this manifesto, and is willing to enter into more dialogue to examine how, in addition to its current initiatives, this can be done.”

Policy areas that the manifesto also covers include:

• A Long Term Vision - CIHT calls for the establishment of a cross-party group to develop and commit to a 20 year strategy for transport infrastructure across the UK.
• Tomorrow’s Workforce - CIHT calls on UK Governments to promote initial and on-going professional development and to work with stakeholders to ensure that there are clear systems in place to deliver the skills required for future growth.
• Financing the Future - The UK’s economic climate has resulted in important decisions being made within constrained circumstances. Decision makers need to be made aware of the added value and benefits of investing in transport infrastructure when they are making difficult choices on spending priorities.
• CIHT has established a cross-sector Infrastructure Funding Group to identify new and existing ways of financing the development of the UK’s current and future infrastructure. This group will be reporting directly to UK Governments at the end of its research cycle. 
• Congestion - CIHT calls for the implementation of policies that will reduce the amount of road traffic in urban centres. The benefits of encouraging individuals to switch to other modes would have positive health benefits through the support of walking and cycling as well as a reduction in the carbon emissions from individual travel. 
• Climate Change - CIHT believes that UK Governments need to work with industry to implement effective change. By promoting behavioural change policies and encouraging the development of low-carbon technology, UK Governments and CIHT can work together to reduce the carbon impact of the highways and transportation sector.

A full copy of the manifesto is available here CIHT Manifesto 2012

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