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Dixie
PostPosted: Tue Dec 02, 2008 05:11 
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Evening Standard

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UK transport system 'dilapidated'

02.12.08

Britain's "dilapidated" transport systems are now costing business £23.2 billion a year, an increase of £5.7 billion since last year, according to a new report.

The cost of the poor state of transport infrastructure to each UK business is estimated at £17,350 a year, the report from the British Chambers of Commerce (BCC) said.

As many as 90% of businesses had experienced increased operating costs and 80% claimed a loss of man hours.

The report also showed 80% of businesses said road congestion locally, regionally and nationally was a problem. And nationally, the sheer volume of traffic was the biggest issue, with poor road design, planning delays and the lack of alternative transportation adding to the problem.

The report also showed 78% of firms would support the principle of road pricing, but only if improvements to public transport and investment in infrastructure were made beforehand. And 95% believed the planning of the UK's major transport infrastructure schemes took too many years, with 90% agreeing that transport schemes were too bureaucratic in their design and implementation.

The report said the UK's transport infrastructure was still built around its Victorian foundations.

BCC director-general David Frost said: "This survey highlights the need for a long-term strategy that is prepared to take drastic action to improve and upgrade our dilapidated transport networks.

"High-profile projects such as the third runway at Heathrow and a new high-speed railway must happen. Passengers and road users are becoming more infuriated as their journeys become longer and more costly.

"If the UK is to maintain its position in the world it must invest in its infrastructure. A first-rate country cannot operate with a third-rate network."

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Abercrombie
PostPosted: Tue Dec 02, 2008 10:56 
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Dixie wrote:
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the sheer volume of traffic was the biggest issue


It makes one wonder if we really need so many trucks zooming around carrying
washing machines and wide screen TVs. I mean, how many wheel barrows,
£4 a pair jeans or digital cameras can they possibly use in, say, Gateshead? If
things lasted longer, we wouldn't have to choke our roads with all this crap, eh?
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Draco
PostPosted: Sat Dec 06, 2008 03:46 
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"Integrated Transport Policy" anyone?.......:) Now there's a ghost from the 1960's and beyond!

When I look at Europe and their 2 lane Autobahns ( by enlarge) yet they fair pretty well with their traffic BUT... They do use the railways and Canals far more than we do for bulk traffic, thereby taking lots if freight traffic off the roads. Hang on though.. we have railways!.......We are an Island and ships can transport goods and or lorries North quite easily. Why have we got a problem? True, London and it's traffic jams does rather block the way for the rest of the Nation from Europe but it really need not be so. WE are an Island...........Plenty of room in the North sea, it's just the Political will and common sense that's missing. Already, carriers have taken to using containers on the Manchester ship canal once again rather than use lorries between Liverpool and Manchester....Just think! Lorry free motorways! :)
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dcbwhaley
PostPosted: Sat Dec 06, 2008 08:30 
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It makes one wonder if we really need so many trucks zooming around


We have so many trucks because road transport is massively subsidised out of general taxation. If roads were priced in the same way as railways, and expected to make a profit, the pattern of road use would be very different. But in govern-speak, since the war, money spent on roads is an' 'investment'; money spent on railways and other forms of transport is a 'subsidy'

And the 'just in time' policy of many major distributors means that they are using the motorways as an extension to their warehouses :roll:

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Abercrombie
PostPosted: Sat Dec 06, 2008 12:16 
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dcbwhaley wrote:
And the 'just in time' policy of many major distributors means that they are using the motorways as an extension to their warehouses :roll:


Yes, a traffic jam of trucks resembles a warehouse in many ways. It's a shame travellers get wrapped up in it. Can't we just put those loads onto the trains, and free some space up for legitimate travellers, who are trying to get to work or have a day out with their relations?
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jomukuk
PostPosted: Sat Dec 06, 2008 15:12 
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Roads massively subsidised.
Sounds very "greenish" to me.
I read through their "roads are subsidised" paper: it only made any sense if you took free carparks to be part of the road-user "subsidy".
Buses are paid for in fares, so are trains. The subsidy is to ensure that they are still running tomorrow !
The rolling stock is antiquated, largely through under-funding due to shareholders needing some sort of "return" (that goes for buses as well) (even taking into account the very large subsidies given to "public" transport)
Trucks, well...artics...being taxed at nearly £2000.00....
Cars at anything up to £400.00.
Fuel at over 80% ....
Insurance premium tax....
Yes, I can see that road transport is heavily subsidised.
If you're "green" that is (between the ears)

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56 years after it was decided it was needed, the Bedford Bypass is nearing completion. The last single carriageway length of it.We have the most photogenic mayor though, always being photographed doing nothing
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dcbwhaley
PostPosted: Sat Dec 06, 2008 20:11 
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Yes, I can see that road transport is heavily subsidised.
If you're "green" that is (between the ears)


Better green between the ears than solid bone.

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hairyben
PostPosted: Sun Dec 07, 2008 14:20 
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Oh, this "subsidised roads" is the nonsense that roads are an asset and what drivers pay should reflect the full rental cost isn't it?

First of all, the roads are owned by the people, they are public rights of way, and merely administered by the government, not owned by the government who "allow" us to use them.

It's this kind of view on the governments position in society that would scare the living **** out of me if the greens ever got in.

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jomukuk
PostPosted: Sun Dec 07, 2008 18:44 
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Taxes from vehicles = 40 billion PA
Cost of roads (new and repairs) = 6 billion
Profit = 34 billion
Every lane KM, of every road, earns the government £200,000 PA.
The bus/train operators get very large subsidies, to run an inefficient and antiquated service.

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The world runs on oil, period. No other substance can compete when it comes to energy density, flexibility, ease of handling, ease of transportation. If oil didn’t exist we would have to invent it.”

56 years after it was decided it was needed, the Bedford Bypass is nearing completion. The last single carriageway length of it.We have the most photogenic mayor though, always being photographed doing nothing
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