The UK government has today announced a series of measures aimed at improving bus services and cycling infrastructure. More information on these announcements are available here.

Sue Percy CBE, Chief Executive, CIHT said:

“We are pleased to see that the UK government has outlined these initiatives to improve sustainable transport across the whole of the country. We have previously called for government to invest in the development of sustainable and active travel.”

“We believe that identifying how cross departmental funding will be used to support the switch to sustainable and active travel is vital for its delivery.”

Highways & Transportation including investment on sustainable transport is not just critical to economic performance and productivity, but it addresses other key policy areas where it is often not recognised or seen as a barrier.   

CIHT believe that investing in highways and transportation would have a positive impact on:

• Inequality – providing access to education and jobs for all needs a range of transport solutions. All our communities are dependent on the certainty and continuity of infrastructure and services through capital and resource support. Our highways and transport networks need to be inclusive, designed and maintained for all users.
  
  
• Decarbonisation – the transport sector is one area where emissions are not reducing. The need for infrastructure to support a move towards electrification of vehicles and a shift in some journeys to more sustainable modes will require significant investment.
  
  
• Housing and sustainable communities – planning and development of sustainable communities requires an improved integration of planning and transport. This will produce homes and communities that are in the right place and have sustainable transport provision at their heart. Investment in resource is required to achieve the outcomes that government envisage.
  
  
• Health – a move to active travel will not only address decarbonisation and sustainable development but will have clear benefits for improved health as people walk and cycle more. Creating that change will require investment both in infrastructure and the resource to change behaviours. There will be a continuing need to address the impact of all emissions from vehicles. Safety will need to be a continuing focus for government and the sector – too many people die on our highways network.
  
  
• Supporting the economy – effective transport infrastructure and systems are a fundamental requirement for a successful economy and all aspects of business across the UK whilst providing links that support international trade. Changes to the automotive and freight sectors through automation and electrification rely on the right infrastructure being in place for those changes to be effective. The positive impacts of R&D in those sectors both nationally and internationally need to be supported by our highways and transportation networks.
  
  
• Planning for the future – the Future of Mobility and CIHT FUTURES reports both highlighted the need for change in the way we think about the future of transport and make sure that the large investment required is used effectively.

Notes for editors

Chartered Institution of Highways & Transportation

CIHT is a membership organisation representing those 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