Too many vital infrastructure projects ‘stuck in the slow lane’

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Too many ‘business-critical’ infrastructure projects are struggling to get out of the design stage, according to new research by the British Chambers of Commerce (BCC).

Data published today (November 26) explores the progress of 13 ‘priority transport projects’ in the UK, which were highlighted by the BCC ahead of the 2010 General Election.

The development of each project has been categorised using a traffic light system, with green including projects under construction with a firm delivery date, amber for projects with some funding committed, planning process underway, but no final completion date and red for schemes which have either been delayed or cancelled.

Rail infrastructure projects that appear in the research include Crossrail (green), Northern Hub (amber) and improvements to the East Coast Main Line (red).

BCC says the latest assessment shows that too many of Britain’s vital infrastructure projects are ‘stuck in the slow lane’.

Dr Adam Marshall, director of policy at the BCC, said: “Transport infrastructure is critical to business growth but progress on the investment promised by successive governments continues to be too slow.

“Whenever key decisions to improve capacity on the country’s rail, road and air networks are delayed, our businesses and economy are missing out. Even where projects have been given the go-ahead in Westminster, progress is typically slow and in too many cases is mired in the planning stages.

“We need bold action from the government to improve the UK’s transport infrastructure. This kind of investment is insulated from global uncertainty, and it creates short-term confidence, jobs in the medium term, and improves the UK’s competitiveness in the long term. Ministers must use all the powers at their disposal to kick-start these lay projects. In some cases, that will mean using the government’s balance sheet to unlock private funding, and in others, it will mean using planning powers to overcome objections and speed the process of construction.

“We are confident now that ministers understand the need for infrastructure investment. We’re not yet confident that their welcome commitment is translating into action on the ground.”

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