Achieving better value for money from our Transport Infrastructure
In an age of austerity it is increasingly apparent that Britain needs to extract better value for money from her national transport infrastructure. How can we affordably build and maintain networks that will serve our transport needs in the coming decades? What changes are needed to improve the cost-effectiveness of our infrastructure? And what lessons can we learn from the way other nations build their networks?
To investigate these questions the ITC hosted an expert Discussion Evening on 30th January 2012. The event welcomed more than 40 senior experts from the worlds of finance, engineering, infrastructure provision, transport operations, consultancy and the civil service. Chairing the Discussion was ITC Commissioner Steven Norris, who introduced a highly distinguished panel comprising: Alan Cook CBE, Chairman of the Highways Agency; Andrew Wolstenholme OBE, Chief Executive of Crossrail; and Andrew Rose, a partner at AgFe and former Chief Executive of Infrastructure UK. Dr Heiner Bente, Chairman of the advisory board for the German consultancy group Civity, offered a response from a European perspective.
Steve Norris introduces the expert panel
The debate was held in the light of a number of reports, including those by Sir Roy McNulty and Alan Cook, that have investigated the cost-effectiveness of Britain’s transport infrastructure. A number of clear themes emerged. First, the panel argued that long-term planning was crucial if we are to increase efficiency. Secondly, the importance was highlighted of achieving harmony in the strategic visions of project sponsors, operators and delivery partners. Thirdly, mistakes in procurement procedures were examined; the panel arguing for fewer procurement teams and the need for skilled procurement experts in the public sector if taxpayers’ money was to be spent wisely. Infrastructure Ontario was held up as a model of good procurement practice.
Alan Cook CBE addresses the audience
It is apparent we face a number of structural problems obstructing the delivery of a fast, efficient programme of investment in major transport infrastructure projects in the UK. These include: different private/public ownership models across our transport sectors; inconsistent public procurement procedures; skill shortages when handling contractual negotiations with the private sector; and a planning system that exercises a unique drag on the speed of decision making. Nevertheless, the Government is heavily committed to a growth strategy and is working hard to remove barriers to infrastructure investment. The ITC’s future programme will include research investigating how to overcome these obstacles and achieve the progress needed to realise these objectives. If you would like to find out more about this work, support the project financially, or get involved in the research, please contact the ITC Secretary.