Transport policy needs more cash - Prescott's pledge on transport needs money and action say industry leaders

About œ4 billion per year needs to be invested to create the Government's vision for integrated transport, according to a leading contractor.

The Confederation of British Industry forecasts that about œ2 billion a year must be invested to improve Britain's ailing transport infrastructure. "If the CBI is talking about a spend of œ2 billion just to maintain the transport system," said Alan Crane, md of Christiani & Neilsen, "we are talking about double to improve it."

Last week, John Prescott, the deputy Prime Minister made a pledge to back an integrated public transport system with the publication of a White Paper next Spring.

Crane welcomed Prescott's announcement but voiced concern that it may lead to "anti-road and anti-car policies."

Much of the money will have to come from the private sector as Labour has committed itself to tight budgetary constraints. The funding for the plan will rely on the Government cracking the problems with the Private Finance Initiative.

The Freight Transport Association and the British Roads Federation welcomed Prescott's pledge.

"We have had a consultation period then a vacuum and now there's to be another consultation planned under this Government. There has been enough navel gazing. We now need action," said Geoff Dossiter of the Freight Transport Association.

Paul Everitt, deputy director of British Roads Federation said "We are keen to see a definition of integrated transport system. It should include all modes of transport."

"Our particular interest is an active roads policy." he said.