The Chartered Institution of Highways and Transportation (CIHT) has called for the UK government to provide commitments in the budget later this month to ensure the UK has an effective transport network. 

Sue Percy CBE, Chief Executive, CIHT said: “Transport is politically challenging, and yet it plays a crucial part in our futures. People need an effective transport network to support their economic activity and social wellbeing.”

“Good transport provides access to employment, goods, services and opportunities. How society invests in and uses the transport network also impacts on climate change and public health.”

“In our budget submission, we have highlighted how having effective highways and transportation networks and services will stimulate the UK economy, increase employment opportunities, improve air quality, deliver on net zero, improve the health of society, and make transport more accessible for all, alongside fixing the UK’s pothole crisis and strengthening other infrastructure.”

CIHT have specifically called for the UK government to:

•            Deliver a local roads investment strategy that has a minimum five-year commitment to funding for local roads maintenance and renewal

•            Identify a dedicated fund to mitigate the impact of climate change on highways in vulnerable areas

•            Provide consistent funding to help to reshape the required infrastructure and services to promote walking, cycling and public transport

•            Give assurance that local authorities will have the funds to share and implement best practice in road safety

•            Remember that transport is all about the people it is supporting and to ensure investment decisions respond to and accommodate the diverse societal needs in terms of people’s characteristics, circumstances, resources, aspirations and geographical requirements.

Ms Percy added: “We are all aware that there is not going to be unlimited funds available to deliver the changes and improvements to highways and transportation infrastructure and services that we need. We are calling for government to work with CIHT and other stakeholders to investigate mobility pricing such as a pay-per-mile scheme to help reduce congestion and meet environmental targets.”

“Delivering real change in the highways, transportation and infrastructure will also require the UK government to invest in ensuring individuals can afford and access educational opportunities to sustain and build an appropriately skilled and motivated workforce.”

PIC: .gov.uk