Half of all companies are dissatisfied with the standard of transport connectivity in the UK, according to a report by the business group CBI and financial firm KPMG.

They say that 49% of businesses are not content with domestic transport provision, up from 28% who were not pleased two years ago. Nearly two thirds of all businesses surveyed and 85% of multinationals said that transport was a key consideration in deciding where and when to invest.

The CBI is now calling for capital allowances to be introduced for the construction of infrastructure projects outlined in the forthcoming Autumn Statement, in an effort to boost investment. It would also like to see feasibility studies completed for all road and rail projects outlined in this summer's Spending Review and for a commitment to produce detailed delivery plans.

The report 'Connect More' was published on Monday and highlights the importance of infrastructure to sustainable growth in the UK. It argues that there are many outstanding issues that need to be resolved, such as future funding of the road network, aviation capacity and clarity over the costs of the High Speed 2 rail project.

CBI director general John Cridland said: "Government has talked the talk on infrastructure for the last two years with too few signs of action. The faltering speed of delivery on infrastructure creates a worrying sense that politicians lack the political will to tackle some of the major issues head on."

Photo: Anonymous@Creative Commons

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