Economic growth first priority says CILT members

Measures that encourage economic growth should be protected when the Government wields the axe on the transport sector, says a survey of Chartered Institute of Logistics and Transport members.

A total of 1,244 CILT members participated in an online survey carried out between 7 and 21 July 2010. The survey is designed to gauge opinion ahead of the comprehensive spending review and help Government to effectively target spending cuts in the transport sector.

In terms of priorities, spending that promoted economic growth was seen as more desirable (garnering 75% support) than spending on softer issues. For example, only 18% said health and safety should be a priority area for protecting spending. Indeed, softer spending options such as socially inclusive services (54%), rural accessibility (46%) and health and safety (44%) were identified as highest priorities for cutting expenditure.

Rail investment was clearly favoured above road investment - 24% said Government resources should be directed towards increasing road capacity compared to 61% for rail.

Furthermore, members said maintaining the existing transport infrastructure must take priority over new build in an age of austerity.

Members reasoned that with smarter deployment of current resources and effective maintenance, infrastructure would be able to cope with economic growth in the near future. Steve Agg, CILT CEO, said: 'By making better use of what we have, using technology to help operators and users make smarter choices about how and when to travel, we can get best value for money.”

An exception among capital projects was the new high speed rail network (HS2), which was supported by 79% of members.

The survey did not ask specifically which capital projects should be cut. Road charging drew significant support from members, including congestion charges in urban areas (40%) and charging for any new build motorways and trunk roads (36%).

The report can be downloaded from the CILT website.