A few potential clues to the future direction of the new Labour Government on transport policy have been provided with the release of a new independent report, which the party commissioned last year when it was still the Parliamentary opposition.
Entitled The rail and urban transport review: an assessment and ambition for a new government, the document was published on 21st August 2024, following a review process led by ex-Siemens CEO Juergen Maier and guided by a panel of experts from across industry.
What did the review ultimately recommend on the future of UK transport?
The report presented the findings and recommendations of the independent review across five distinct themes:
- A bold long-term vision and ambition for transport infrastructure: the report recommended that an ambitious national transport strategy be pursued, aimed at boosting journeys by public transport, cycling, and walking between now and 2035.
- Accelerating delivery of transport infrastructure across the nation: putting forward the ideal of a “greener, faster, cheaper” framework, the review suggested a 20% reduction in project delivery costs, and 25% shorter timelines.
- Drawing upon the benefits of public-private partnerships: also recognised by the review was the essential contribution made by private investment. The document recommended that an infrastructure investment playbook be developed, with the aim of facilitating public-private partnerships.
- Achieving the right structure for delivery now and in the future: a call was also made in the report for a clear, long-term, and national strategy for transport, aligned with the UK’s industrial strategy and housing delivery.
- Giving the voice of Britain’s transport users and workforce a central role in transport plans: the review urged the greater involvement of trade unions and underrepresented groups, to help ensure infrastructure development that is both inclusive and effective.
The entire report is free to read for transport consultants, their clients, and any other interested stakeholders or observers.
What have key figures said about the independent review and report?
In his capacity as Chair, Mr Maier stated in his foreword that the review was aimed at helping the UK to “deliver the rail and urban transport infrastructure fit not just for the next five years, but the next 50… we need to grasp this moment and create a major paradigm shift over the coming decades. The new Labour Government has a real opportunity to do just that.”
Having submitted evidence to the review during the consultation period in January, the Chartered Institution of Highways and Transportation (CIHT) also provided a response to the report.
The learned society stated that it “welcomes the findings of the report, which echo our recommendations to government in our manifesto, A transport network fit for all our futures.”
The membership organisation pointed out that it had consistently urged, among other things, a clear and long-term strategy on how the transport network will be used across the nation, supported by long-term transport investments spanning at least 10 to 20 years.
CIHT went on to say that it “looks forward to engaging with the government, relevant public bodies, and private industry to deliver the recommendations from this report and ensure that our transport network can better meet the needs of our economy, society, and environment.”
Certainly, our transport consultants at Transport Planning Associates (TPA) will also continue to watch with interest. In the meantime, please reach out to your nearest TPA office to benefit from the transport planning and infrastructure advice that could help guide your projects to success over the months and years ahead.
