The Freight Transport Association said that the Comprehensive Spending Review announced yesterday by the Chancellor is “disgraceful“ as it has reduced previous spending commitments whilst attempting to portray them as an increase.
“FTA cannot reconcile the contrast between statements made by the secretary of state and the Chancellor acknowledging of the needs for transport investment after decades of neglect, and the reduction of £1.2 billion in the transport budgets for 2005/6 and 2006/7,” said chief executive Richard Turner.
He added: “Frankly I am amazed by the Chancellor's statement. Promises to create a transport infrastructure to rival any in Europe have gone out the window. The Ten Year Transport Plan set up in 2000 was recognised in 2002 as needing a substantial increase in investment. The Chancellor has now not only failed to increase that commitment but has gone back on what he promised, by undercutting the spending plan he took credit for three years ago.
“The government is betraying the needs of UK industry for an efficient and reliable transport infrastructure. The continuing policy of successive governments to leave transport investment for the next government to deal with is impacting on every company and consumer in the country.
“The Chancellor's statement today continues that neglect and the future for congestion is bleak.”
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