David Cameron’s newly formed Conservative Government has been urged to support ongoing infrastructure projects and back the growth of freight.
As the prime minister names his cabinet posts for the Tory administration, leaders from the transport world have mounted calls for financial security and support over the next parliament.
Former transport secretary Patrick McLoughlin looks on course to retain his cabinet role after holding his set in Derbyshire Dales.
The Freight Transport Association (FTA) this afternoon pushed Mr Cameron to recognise the role of logistics in the UK, warning that the industry’s failure could come at the cost of the national economy.
Karen Dee, FTA director of policy, said: ‘Mr Cameron’s new Government needs to ensure that logistics is given the attention it deserves.
‘It’s policies must ensure the industry can be as efficient and effective as possible in support of businesses and consumers in the UK.’
Ms Dee added that she ‘sincerely hopes’ the new government would support the work of a ‘safe, efficient and sustainable supply chain’.
Chief executive of the Civil Engineering Contractors Association, Alasdair Reisner, pushed the prime minister for consistent financial support to prop up ongoing infrastructure goals, something he added had been acted upon over the last parliament.
Mr Reisner said: ‘The last five years have seen a steady push to improve the way infrastructure is managed through visibility of investment and workloads. This has created long-term certainty, allowing for investment in skills, equipment and innovation, reducing delivery costs and making savings for the taxpayer.
‘It is now imperative that an incoming Government recognises the importance to the market of maintaining long term certainty for, and fully commits to, the existing project pipeline.
‘We look forward to working with the new Government to build on this and continue to deliver the infrastructure the UK needs for economic and social growth.’
Fleet managers were also advised that they wouldn’t face reductions in either fuel duty or road tax under the newly elected Conservative government. However concern was raised about the impact of cuts and fiscal belt-tightening.
Fuel Card Services’ group marketing manager, Steve Clarke, said: ‘Much as the economy would certainly benefit from financial help for commercial road users, expecting anything significant would represent unrealistic optimism.
‘Fleets of all sizes and types can expect tough times for the foreseeable future, so we all have to hope that the promised light at the end of the tunnel does not turn out to be an oncoming train.’
