Press Notices

26 November 2001:
UK transport starved of investment for 50 years says CfIT

The first comprehensive comparisons to have been carried out on UK and European investment in transport are a clear but stark demonstration of two generations of neglect in this country, the Commission for Integrated Transport reported today.

Commission Chair, Professor David Begg, said the survey showed "a transport network starved of investment for half a century. A situation that forced people into their cars whether they wanted to or not.

"As a result the report shows we have more congestion than any other European country and the most intensely used road network other than in Spain. And despite the relative compactness of the UK we spend more time commuting than any other European nation."

The new report was first requested by the deputy Prime Minister who said that if we were to rival the best in Europe in transport we first needed to establish the benchmarks.

"The report shows historical levels of under-investment. The Government's Integrated Transport White Paper and last Year's 10-Year Transport Plan mark a welcome and long awaited focus on integrated policies and a step change in levels of investment.

The report shows that is the public transport user, pedestrians and cyclists who have born the brunt of the under investment from successive administrations getting both poorer services and higher charges. Motorists have been hit hard too through the UK's higher levels of congestion.

Prof Begg said: "This report demonstrates what a mountain we have to climb. The decisions that we take now as a nation will determine whether we end up with a US style car culture or a sustainable European multi modal system.

"The examples of what has been achieved in Europe demonstrate that our transport network does not have to stay in its current state - but a lot depends on the levels of investment we are prepared to put in.

"We are already showing a European lead in some key areas - for example we have the best roads fatality record in Europe and we are making real strides in our light rail programme.

"Sadly on so many of the key criteria in transport we are near the bottom of the class. And those markings are in key areas which have a knock on effect on our economy, our health, social inclusion and the environment.

Notes to editors:

1. The full reports, summary and fact sheet are available on the CfIT website at: www.cfit.gov.uk/docs/2001/ebp/index.htm.

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