By John Challen

When it released its manifesto in June, the Labour Party outlined a vision for a Modern Transport Network. Within the proposal, there was talk of fixing an additional one million potholes yearly, supporting the transition to electric vehicles, and reforming the railways and bus system. 

In response, CIHT welcomed the direction of travel from the party that would ultimately go on to lead the country. Sue Percy CBE, Chief Executive of CIHT said there were “several policies that resonate with the ideas presented in the CIHT Manifesto, ‘A Transport Network Fit for all our Futures’”.

And with the budget today, CIHT will be analysing its potential impact on the UK highways and transport sector and providing updates to the membership to see if the announcements follow suggestions from the Institution.

Prior to the election, CIHT called for a number of areas of improvement in and around the highways and transport networks of the UK. For example, it wanted clear, long-term aims of how the transport network would be used in the coming decades. It also asked that the government supported planning rules that encouraged place-based solutions and work with the transport sector to invest in people from different backgrounds to support societal, environmental and economic challenges ahead.

In addition, CIHT suggested there should be a commitment of at least five years to the funding for local roads maintenance and renewal. This promise would, suggested the CIHT: “Enable local highway authorities to secure longer-term procurement, address decarbonisation, improve maintenance interventions and make transport networks more resilient.”

The progress so far

Fast-forward four months and, with the new regime up and running, Transport Secretary Louise Haigh MP stated in August that decisions on traffic calming and safety should be taken at a local level. She also made a strong commitment to the promotion of active travel.

“We're certainly not shying away from the target of getting 50% short journeys walking and cycling – and that will have to be delivered by local authorities. So, anybody who wants to do that work will have the Department for Transport's full backing,” said Haigh on a Streets Ahead podcast.

More recently, Haigh hosted a road safety roundtable for the Parliamentary Advisory Council for Transport Safety (PACTS) and its members. The event was welcomed as a further demonstration that the government was not only serious about road safety, but also committed to working with highways and transport professionals – as well as the road safety community – to improve standards and reduce incidents, accidents and fatalities on the road.  

Meanwhile, at another parliamentary reception for ChargeUK, Minister for the Future of Roads Lilian Greenwood MP spoke enthusiastically about electric vehicles and charging infrastructure. “The Prime Minister made it clear that his number one priority was economic stability and revitalising the whole economy,” she stated. “And cars and vans have a more-than-trivial role to play here. We will support the EV revolution and phase out ICE (internal combustion engine) models in a timeline that suits everyone in the country.”

A further announcement from the government was the launch of the Highways Sector Council’s Way of Life campaign, which aims to encourage people into the sector and highlight the many opportunities and rewards that are on offer.

“Our road network is made possible by a talented workforce, who are the foundation for delivering better, safer roads that connect businesses and communities – and grow our economy,” said Greenwood. “The future of our roads depends on a new generation to drive this work forward, which is why we have partnered with Highways Sector Council to launch its ‘Ways of Life’ skills campaign.”

Download CIHT’s ‘A Transport Network Fit for all our Futures’.

Image: the electric vehicle revolution? An electric vehicle charging station in Luton; credit: Shutterstock.