In a new report the National Infrastructure Commission is critical of the government’s decision to scrap the second leg of HS2
At the Labour conference one of the announcements from the shadow chancellor, Rachel Reeves, in her speech was a proposal to set up a “cross-departmental infrastructure acceleration unit”. It did not make the front pages, but it was illustrative of how infrastracture seemed to be almost the only thing the party wanted to talk about. That helps to explain why the party has welcomed the National Infrastructure Commission report warmly.
In a statement, Darren Jones, the shadow chief secretary to the Treasury, said:
The National Infrastructure Commission’s report backs Labour’s plans to get Britain building again.
There is no doubt we need a transformation in the UK’s approach to infrastructure to drive investment and growth across Britain. However, after 13 years of economic failure and stagnation, the biggest obstacle to this report’s recommendations being implemented and to get our economy growing is the Conservative party.
Investment in public transport alone will not be sufficient to reduce congestion and improve capacity. Cities will also need to reduce car journeys into congested city centres, especially at peak times. Measures such as congestion charging and workplace parking levies can reduce car use, thereby freeing up room on the roads for more public transport. The sequencing of these transport changes will be important as reducing trips by car where there is no viable public transport alternative risks hindering, not supporting, growth and having negative social impacts.
