Infrastructure and transportation look set to play crucial roles in the UK’s forward industrial strategy following launch of a new Green Paper by Prime Minister Theresa May this week.

 

Government seeks views from businesses and workers on the paper which identifies ‘upgrading infrastructure’ as one of 10 strategic pillars to increase productivity and drive economic growth.

 

The strategy highlights that “good transport infrastructure does not just reduce delays; it can raise productivity by enabling towns and cities to achieve agglomeration effects, and so support the rebalancing of our economy”.

 

But it claims that the quality of the UK’s transport infrastructure ranks second lowest among the G7 countries due to factors including an historic lack of clear, long term plans and budgets.

 

As a result the Government says it will continue to provide high rates of public investment, focus on how infrastructure can be delivered more effectively and look to better align the planning of infrastructure with local priorities.

 

The strategy also sees Government reaffirm its support for projects including a new Expressway from Oxford to Cambridge, the Lower Thames Crossing, High Speed 2 and a new runway at Heathrow, as well as improved road and rail connections across the north of England.

 

Furthermore the Green Paper includes an offer to businesses to strike new ‘sector deals’ to address industry specific challenges and opportunities with support from Government.

 

Theresa May said: “Our modern Industrial Strategy will back Britain for the long term, creating the conditions where successful businesses can emerge and grow, and backing them to invest in the long term future of our country.”

 

Industry has offered largely positive reactions to the new Green Paper. CIHT director of policy and technical affairs Andrew Hugill said: “We are pleased to see that Government has acknowledged the need for a strategy to deliver on its industrial commitments. As one of the pillars of this strategy we believe that the introduction of a national transport strategy is now more important than ever.

 

“This paper also supports our view of a need to improve the coordination of delivery at a national, regional and local level. CIHT will be exploring ways in which the voice of our members will be heard throughout this process.”

 

Civil Engineering Contractors Association head of external affairs Marie-Claude Hemming said: “We welcome the Government’s recognition that infrastructure is key to all industries.

 

“As we look towards our future outside the European Union, we must ensure that the infrastructure which underpins all economic growth is fit for purpose, and that there is no delay in the delivery of world class schemes.

 

“Crucial to this will be ensuring the right programmes are in place to deliver the skills that the infrastructure sector requires, drive forward innovation, and reform procurement.”

 

Campaign for Better Transport’s head of campaigns James MacColl said: “The Government is right to identify upgrading transport infrastructure as a key part of its new industrial strategy. However too much money is being wasted on damaging big schemes, while high value local transport services continue to be neglected.”

 

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