It’s hard to knock the logic of transport investment
September 1st 2010 While there are many in the Government still firmly committed to deep and early spending cuts, the consensus seems to be wavering. Just a little. The argument goes that if the cuts cut too deep, too fast the nation will be plunged into a double dip recession that may undo the good work. Even Boris Johnson is worried about the possible juxtaposition of Christmas layoffs in the public sector with big Christmas bonuses in the banking sector. Maybe the Government will come to the conclusion by the time the Comprehensive Spending Review is unveiled in October that it has more wriggle room than it thought it had in June.
Whatever the Government decides, it is good to see the Freight Transport Association and the Chartered Institute for Logistics and Transport have stepped up lobbying activities. The FTA plans to meet with Philip Hammond of the Department for Transport in October and the CILT has released a survey of its members offering insight into transport fundamentals.
They are attempting to steer the Government to make transport spending a priority, as sound transport infrastructure will provide the foundation for all recovery scenarios over the coming years.
There seems to be a general acceptance that rail freight will provide a key transport role in the near future and that investment must be both forthcoming and targeted cleverly if rail is to fulfill its potential.
The importance of maintenance is also clear. The CILT, commenting on its survey of members, concluded that transport capacity was sufficient for the relatively modest levels of growth expected in the near future but that infrastructure must be adequately maintained if it is to prove up to the task. The FTA has gone further by producing a target list of top priority routes, according to their importance to the economy and their need for repair.
The economy certainly is taking up a lot of attention at the moment. A danger is that some of the softer issues might get left behind in the pursuit of cutting the deficit and encouraging growth. In the poll of CILT members, issues such as health and safety were towards the top of the list of items favoured for cuts.Measures that promote business were the most popular choice for protection, far outweighing health and safety.
Of course, this does not suggest a cavalier attitude to health and safety but there is a danger that we could focus too much on the economy and cost cutting this year. This must not be at the expense of health and safety. Thankfully we have initiatives such as this month’s National Fork Lift Safety Week to keep the message coming out loud and clear that safety should remain a top priority.
Overall, those in the logistics industry can be confident that the argument for transport investment is hard to dispute, even in financially difficult times.With hard choices on priorities, getting goods from A to B and providing a foundation for entrepreneurship to thrive have got to be at or near the top of the list.
Simon Duddy, Editor More articles from Handling & Storage Solutions: | 
