Consultant AECOM’s 2019 Future of Infrastructure survey found that many citizens lack trust in policy makers and want more opportunities to have their say on infrastructure development.

Just over half of survey respondents believe that city officials take a short term view of infrastructure planning and 49% say changes in elected city officials often result in major changes to infrastructure policy.

“As London builds up to its next mayoral election, the large proportion of respondents that see too many policy shifts as a result of changes to elected officials sends a clear message about the need to de-politicise infrastructure decision making where we can and build certainty around project delivery,” said the consultant’s chief executive for civil infrastructure Colin Wood.

In addition 55% of Londoners reported that they have not had a chance to give feedback on public transport services during the past year and 50% say that when they are asked for input, it is too late in the process for their voice to have an impact.

This perceived lack of engagement could be informing dissatisfaction with infrastructure management and delivery, the report suggests. “One of the fundamental issues we have is around better communications,” added Colin Wood. “We hear a lot about disruption that’s caused and costs incurred by projects, but we don’t talk enough about the benefits of transport interventions.”

He said there is a need to increase community engagement on infrastructure projects to improve attitudes towards city authorities and the industry. “Government and those in power have a responsibility to change the way we engage with people, listen to their views and use that as an opportunity to explain what is being done and what the benefits will be.”

Further results from the survey indicate that 39% of Londoners would be willing to pay higher taxes to help fund infrastructure improvements, but only a quarter would accept higher fares for public transport in the future.

Respondents also call for public transport improvements, with 60% saying they are finding it increasingly stressful to travel on current services. Fast rail connections to airports was identified as a key improvement priority.

In addition 57% agree that the private sector should be more involved in infrastructure development and financing.

(Photograph: TfL)