Additional road capacity needed to tackle congestion and secure UK competitiveness
30/11/2005
Following the Secretary of State for Transport’s announcement that local authorities in seven areas will receive funding to develop methods to tackle congestion,
David Frost, BCC Director General, said:
“Finally we are seeing action by the Government to tackle congestion, which costs the UK economy £15 billion annually and is severely damaging British businesses’ competitiveness and productivity. 48% of businesses have experienced a loss of business as a direct result of failings in the UK’s transport infrastructure.
"These plans are a start in tackling congestion and Chambers of Commerce are already closely involved in the debate, ensuring the business voice is heard locally. All options for reducing congestion need to be considered, but business should not be the only section of the community to shoulder the burden. The Work Place Parking Levy must not be introduced as it would impose an additional burden on business, risking business closures and job losses.
"There is still a long way to go in reducing congestion and we urgently need additional road capacity if we are to secure the UK's long-term prosperity. Though road pricing can be a way of reducing congestion, it is by no means the sole solution. We also need to see greater road capacity through extra lanes, relief roads and tolled roads. Improved public transport systems must also be developed.
"Long-term thinking is needed on transport. Years of under-investment and stalled planning decisions have prevented our transport infrastructure from developing in line with the needs of the economy. We need to take action now to secure future economic growth and the BCC is working with the Eddington Review to ensure that the UK's transport infrastructure delivers for business."
