Ian Liddell, WSP’s Managing Director of Planning and Advisory described the National Infrastructure Assessment as offering “An effective blueprint for future infrastructure investment.”
He welcomes the National Infrastructure Commission (NIC) emphasis on good design and decision making to save money, reduce risks, add value, deliver more projects on time and create infrastructure that looks good and works well for everyone.
Marie-Claude Hemming, External Affairs Director, Civil Engineering Contractors Association (CECA) said: “It is vital that Government addresses the recommendations of this report as soon as possible to ensure the UK thrives as a great place to do business, live and work.”
CECA believes that short termism and a lack of long term strategy have historically undermined the delivery of UK major infrastructure projects but that the published assessment addresses those issues.
Sue Percy, Chief Executive, CIHT said: “We welcome the NIC's support for the guaranteed funding of local roads, which play a vital role in connecting to the strategic road network and help maintain the regional and local businesses which are so critical to the national economy.
“It is encouraging to see that other factors such as design panels, better cost management and new funding strategies are recognised as vital to getting infrastructure right. We would encourage the NIC to also include an assessment of the value of better planning, cycling and walking and how these can contribute to an efficient, growing, low carbon economy.”
Bram Miller, Director of Environment and Health, Ramboll commented: “Encouragingly in relation to roads, the assessment places a strong focus on readiness for electric, autonomous and connected vehicles. Hopefully this report and the recommendations it makes can provide the necessary catalyst to rapidly accelerate the conversion of the UK’s vehicle fleet, without which the roads sector cannot make its contribution to carbon reduction targets nor address its air quality impacts.”
John Acres, President, Royal Town Planning Institute said: “The UK must take better and bolder infrastructure decisions to face the immense challenges and opportunities ahead. We need the ambition and scope the Commission has set, but crucially we need to get delivery right.”
Jane Gratton, Head of Business Environment, British Chambers of Commerce said: “Business will welcome this long term plan for infrastructure investment and particularly the focus on digital and transport connectivity, but business communities have seen plans come and go before, so it’s action that’s required above all else.”
She added: “We welcome the focus on upgrading major urban roads and tackling congestion and public transport needs at a city level. This will help to unlock economic growth, improve journey times and reliability, aid access to skills and cut business cost
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