Most construction firms are upbeat about infrastructure prospects for 2016 but are concerned with a lack of progress with long term projects.

 

Two thirds of respondents (68%) to a survey published on Monday said they were confident about the UK’s overall infrastructure outlook for the next 12 months. But a similar number (66%) agreed that not enough is being done to meet the UK’s infrastructure requirements.

 

Cutting red tape (83%), increasing Government investment (73%), greater certainty on spend (71%) and unlocking private investment (70%) were the top priorities cited in the Ipsos Mori / Tarmac poll.

 

“It is great to see that the construction industry is in confident mood, but there is no room for complacency,” said Tarmac’s chief executive Cyrille Ragoucy. “Challenges remain in meeting the UK’s infrastructure requirements and there is concern about the delivery in the years ahead.”

 

Nearly four fifths of respondents agreed that the time taken for infrastructure projects could be reduced if there was greater collaboration across supply chains and 72% supported the creation of a Department for Infrastructure. The survey also found there is greater support for local roads maintenance and upgrading the strategic road network outside of London, rather than building new rail lines or runways.

 

The survey interviewed 300 senior decision makers in construction companies and their clients between 8 July and 12 August.

 

(Photo: Highways England)