The Chartered Institution of Highways & Transportation (CIHT) welcomes today’s (Tuesday 12 May) publication of the House of Lords Industry and Regulators Committee report, “Time is Money: How regulators can support growth,” and its recognition of the urgent need to improve the delivery of UK transport infrastructure. 

The report highlights long-standing challenges facing the sector, including how the UK continues to experience some of the highest infrastructure delivery costs internationally, with delays in decision-making and regulatory processes contributing significantly to rising project costs and reduced investor confidence. 

Further information on the newly published report is available to read here.  

CIHT recognises the importance of effective regulation in maintaining public safety, environmental standards, and public trust.  

However, CIHT also supports efforts to ensure that regulatory systems are proportionate, transparent, and responsive, enabling the timely delivery of transport infrastructure that supports economic growth, connectivity, decarbonisation, and social value. 

CIHT notes the concerns raised regarding regulatory delays and the cumulative impact these can have on major transport schemes. Efficient and predictable decision-making processes are essential if the UK is to deliver the infrastructure needed to support future mobility, housing, regional growth, and the transition to net zero. 

CIHT welcomes initiatives aimed at improving innovation and reducing unnecessary administrative burdens, including clearer guidance for new market entrants and more streamlined approval processes.  

Any reforms must ensure a level playing field across the sector, enabling smaller and innovative organisations to contribute fully to transport innovation and delivery. 

The report highlights the need for greater clarity and consistency in strategic direction from the UK Government. Long-term policy certainty, aligned priorities, and collaborative working between government, regulators, industry, and professional bodies will be critical to improving delivery outcomes and building confidence across the sector. 

Sue Percy CBE, Chief Executive of CIHT, said: 

 The UK needs a transport infrastructure system that is both ambitious and deliverable. Regulatory processes play an essential role in protecting safety and public interest, but they must also support efficient delivery, innovation, and investment. 

CIHT believes that achieving this will require clear strategic leadership, early collaboration, and a continued focus on developing the skills and capabilities needed across the transport sector.

CIHT looks forward to continuing to work with the UK Government, Department for Transport, regulators, and industry partners to support policies and practices that enable sustainable, efficient, and future-ready transport infrastructure delivery across the UK.