Election comment

Paul Fleetham, executive director, Tarmac National Contracting

"A hung Parliament and the lack of clarity it is likely to bring is clearly bad news for UK plc and the tough economic decisions that need to be made. It also threatens to put highway and infrastructure spending decisions even further down the political agenda.

Transport has already been the great ignored issue of this Election and, when it has been discussed, it was disappointing to see all three main parties focus purely on ‘big ticket’ public transport infrastructure schemes.

There has been a lack of clarity from all parties as to how a high-speed rail network will be funded, and to what extent their successful delivery rests at the expense of our other transport infrastructure. Adopting a single mode approach which diverts funding away from the already chronically under-funded highways sector is not the answer.

As I write, it is unclear whether we have a minority or coalition government. However, it is critical that our Ministers understand that the condition of our now fragile road infrastructure has a direct relationship to the recovery and growth of our economy. Failure to invest in the strategic management of this vital asset will ultimately impact on our competitiveness. Any new transport infrastructure must be underpinned by a well maintained road network and that calls for more funding and greater long-term planning. "

25 August 2010