Get priorities right, UK logistics operators tell Whitehall

Monday, 23 August 2010

Transport spending that supports economic growth or reduces congestion should be the key priority in the UK government’s Comprehensive Spending Review, according to the Chartered Institute of Logistics and Transport (CILT), writes Kizzi Nkwocha.

In a survey of its members, CILT reported that 75% identified “supporting economic growth” as one of the top areas where government spending should be protected.

A total of 1,244 CILT members participated in an online survey between 7 and 21 July 2010.

Respondents also said that maintaining, and making the best use of, existing infrastructure was seen as a higher priority than building new capacity.

Rail capacity, road maintenance and “smarter choices”, were their top priorities for transport spending, while new motorways, new or extended tram systems and new transport links to airports were among the lowest.

“Smarter choices” – green efforts to change travel behaviour and reduce car use, such as cycling and vehicle-sharing – were seen as “sensible actions for current or greater levels of investment” (77%).

Areas identified as being high priorities for cutting expenditure were “socially inclusive services” (54%) “rural accessibility: (46%), health and safety (44%) and increasing capacity (44%).

Members were also concerned that climate change should not be forgotten. Protecting public spending to reduce carbon emissions was the fourth highest overall priority.

Sir Moir Lockhead, CILT President, said: “This survey provides a unique viewpoint, cutting across private and public sectors, and involves people from every part of the transport and logistics industry.

“It provides the most comprehensive view of transport specialists of the way the industry believes we should move forward.”