UK businesses are
even less satisfied with UK infrastructure than they were a year ago, according
to research published by the British Chambers of Commerce (BCC) and Stagecoach.
The survey of 1,200
business leaders finds that only around one third (35%) of UK businesses feel
that the UK road network is meeting their needs when reaching customers,
suppliers, and employees. This is a reduction from 47% in 2018. 60 per cent had
experienced delays resulting in increased travel costs, loss of business or
client dissatisfaction across a one-month period.
Satisfaction with
the UK rail network is even lower. Less than one quarter (24%) agree that it is
meeting their needs. In 2018, the figure stood at 34%.
The BCC is calling
on the next UK government to deliver promised investment in road and rail
schemes, and to give businesses a greater voice for businesses in local
decision making. According to the research, the majority of businesses do not
feel that their views are taken into account when decisions are made about
infrastructure. Only one in ten feel their views are either somewhat or very
much taken into account in national decisions. A little over one quarter (24%)
feel their views are considered at the local level.
BCC Co-Executive
Director Claire Walker said: “This election has generated a barrage of promises
on infrastructure spending, but unless we see real action in the early months
of the new parliament, our hard-pressed firms will struggle to deliver the economic
resurgence we desperately need. Upgrading our road and rail capacity would send
a vital signal that businesses are finally being heard, would kick-start
business investment across the country and will pay dividends long into the
future.
“Alongside an
immediate commitment to revitalise our ageing roads, the next administration
should waste no time in delivering HS2 and promised investment in Northern
Powerhouse Rail as part of a UK-wide high-speed rail network.”
Stagecoach Group
Chief Executive Martin Griffiths said: “Britain’s congestion crisis is getting
worse, directly impacting businesses and their employees, as well as causing
further damage to air quality in our towns and cities. This research underlines
a growing frustration that, despite transport authorities having powers right
now to improve our road infrastructure, there is a lack of radical action to
address the problem.
“If we are serious
about supporting jobs and our regional economies, as well delivering cleaner
air and healthier communities, we need urgent measures to prioritise public
transport and incentivise a large-scale switch from cars to more sustainable
bus and active travel.”
In 2020 and beyond, business priorities for the next UK
government, the BCC is calling for public investment in infrastructure
to rise to at least 1.4 per cent of GDP per year – exceeding the funding
guideline of 1.2 per cent recommended by the National Infrastructure
Commission.
