The next London mayor must back airport expansion and explore ‘innovative finance options’ for new roads, such as user charges, business leaders have said.
City Hall: Elections for the next London mayor take place in May
The Confederation of British Industry’s (CBI) manifesto for Boris Johnson’s successor, A London Prosperity Agenda, sets out seven areas of priority, including housing and transport infrastructure.
Lucy Haynes, CBI London director, said: ‘London’s star has continued to rise over the past few years. But in an increasingly competitive global race, the next mayor must take some tough decisions from day one for London to continue to grow and prosper, and to keep the city a magnet for investment and skills.
‘From building the 50,000 homes a year the capital needs to house its talented workers, and a new runway that will boost our exports to high growth markets, to making the city a global beacon for digital and technological skills, London’s next leader has a unique opportunity to plan ahead, and position the city at the head of the pack.’
The CBI report states the mayor should 'explore innovative finance options for London’s new roads, including user charges'. The business lobby has previously suggested almost three quarters (72%) of firms are ‘open to the idea of road charging’
Business leaders also want the winner of May’s election to build 50,000 homes a year, press the Government to deliver the Airports Commission’s recommendation of a new runway in the South East, and deliver Transport for London’s business plan, including Crossrail 2.
The new mayor should also continue to implement the existing 2050 London Infrastructure Plan, approve the London City Airport Development Programme, and promote the Thames for moving goods and materials, ‘to diversify the city’s transport options’.
The CBI will co-host a business hustings for the four main candidates on 10 March, with the Institute of Directors, London Chamber of Commerce and Industry, the Federation of Small Businesses and London First.
Last week Transport Network revealed that the Labour, LibDem and Green Party candidates oppose Mr Johnson’s plans for new tunnels in the capital. Only his fellow Conservative Zac Goldsmith is in favour.
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