A review commissioned by Labour when in opposition has called for an ambitious transport infrastructure plan for the next 50 years, beginning with a transport strategy for England.
The Rail and Urban Transport Review, led by Juergen Maier CBE, emphasises the need for ‘a paradigm shift to create a more connected, affordable, and high-capacity transport network’.
It calls for an ambitious transport infrastructure plan ‘to ensure a greener, more inclusive, and efficient UK transport network – fit not just for the next five years, but the next 50’.
‘This should start with the creation of a Transport Strategy for England (TSE), encompassing skills, land use and housing objectives to align with regional and local strategies.’
It also calls for a transformative framework to reduce project delivery costs by 20% and timelines by 25% and an infrastructure investment playbook to facilitate and leverage private investment for substantial improvements.
The review adds that the voices of transport users and the workforce should be central to future transport plans, driving social inclusion and local growth.
A bus passes Glasgow's Queen Street railway station
Mr Maier said: ‘This is a pivotal moment for the UK's transport sector. We have a unique opportunity to reshape our transport infrastructure to be greener, more inclusive, and future-ready.
‘Our recommendations provide a clear roadmap for the new government to seize this moment and drive significant economic, social, and environmental benefits.
He added: ‘Until now, the chop and change approach to transport policy has created significant ambiguity in the sector, raised costs, and held back investment. We must set the UK on a new course.’
Transport secretary Louise Haigh said the review provides a comprehensive assessment of the challenges and opportunities the country faces in delivering transport infrastructure, and will help inform the new government’s thinking.
She said: ‘We are clear that we will deliver value for the taxpayer while turbocharging delivery of transport projects.
‘That’s how you grow the economy in every corner of the country, and deliver the transport network that modern Britain needs.’
The review was guided by an expert industry panel with secretariat support from the Urban Transport Group.
Its findings have been distilled into five themes alongside a set of policy recommendations:
1. A Bold Long-term Vision and Ambition for Transport Infrastructure: An ambitious national transport strategy to increase journeys by public transport, walking, and cycling by 2035, and to double the mode share of rail within a decade.
2. Accelerating Delivery of Transport Infrastructure Across the Nation: Proposing a ‘Greener, Faster, Cheaper’ framework, the review suggests reducing project delivery costs by 20% and timelines by 25%. Catalysing growth by building on the progress of English devolution.
3. Harnessing the Benefits of Public-Private Partnerships: Recognising the essential role of private investment, the review recommends developing an infrastructure investment playbook to facilitate public-private partnerships. This should be supported by a HM Treasury to develop a new approach to private finance.
4. Getting the Structure Right for Delivery Now and in the Future: A clear, long-term national transport strategy aligned with the UK's industrial strategy and housing delivery. This includes reforms to planning processes and enhancing the role of local authorities in delivering transport infrastructure.
5. The Voice of Britain’s Transport Users and Workforce at the Heart of Transport Plans: Emphasising the importance of user and workforce engagement, the review calls for greater involvement of trade unions and underrepresented groups to ensure inclusive and effective infrastructure development.
Max Sugarman, chief executive of Intelligent Transport Systems UK, said: ‘Transport is often considered in siloes between modes, including across rail, road, active travel and more. But the travelling public do not look at our transport system like that – they simply care that their journeys are efficient, safe, accessible, cost-effective and green.
‘So, it is positive to see this report call for a strategy that will bring modes together and look holistically at our transport network.’
Register now for full access
Register just once to get unrestricted, real-time coverage of the issues and challenges facing UK transport and highways engineers.
Full website content includes the latest news, exclusive commentary from leading industry figures and detailed topical analysis of the highways, transportation, environment and place-shaping sectors.
Use the link below to register your details for full, free access.
Already a registered? Login
