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The Chartered Institute of Logistics and Transport in the UK (CILT) has told new Transport Secretary of State for Transport, Justine Greening, that the UK’s road, rail and ports infrastructure will require continued substantial investment in order to aid the recovery of the economy and to benefit the needs of passengers and society.
In congratulating Ms Greening on her new appointment, CILT Chief Executive Steve Agg said: ‘It is difficult to overstate the importance of an efficient supply chain to the healthy operation of the economy and the way we live, as well as the provision of adequate and safe facilities and systems for the movement of people.’
Agg said that CILT had been heartened and encouraged by the recognition of the Government of the need to maintain investment in transport links in order to support the recovery from recession. However, he said that much more was required.
‘We hope that substantial investment in road, rail and port infrastructure will continue in order to facilitate efficient and economic operations, as well as stimulating future social and industrial developments.’
Improvements to our transport infrastructure to benefit the economy, enhancement of the rail network, and improvements in the transport links to ports, together with aviation issues, were all high on the list of matters requiring early decisions and action from the Secretary of State for Transport and the Government.
Steve Agg said: ‘The average tenure of a Secretary of State for Transport over the last 50 years has been just 20 months; and, due to unforeseen circumstances, Philip Hammond has moved on after only 18 months in the job.
‘This is a vital appointment to both society and the economy which requires a concentrated and dedicated personality. I wish Justine Greening good luck in her new role and hope that she will be allowed a period in office commensurate with the magnitude of the task in hand.’
