UK infrastructure getting worse, claims ICE

The UK's infrastructure is under-performing, according to the Institution of Civil Engineers (ICE). In its State of the Nation 2003 report, the ICE has given infrastructure a D+ score, lower than last year.

"There is little evidence of joined-up thinking. The last time that the government took decisive and concerted action about infrastructure was when the motorway network was built," the report states.

"Virtually every area of activity covered by this year's report is characterised by delay and uncertainty."

The ICE wants to see the appointment of an independent chief engineerto ensure a co-ordinated long-term approach is followed and that actions are not driven by political agendas.

The ICE also wants infrastructure to figure higher on the government's agenda. The reprt states that all levels of government must be prepared to take difficult decisions in the national, rather than party, interest.

ICE president Professor Adrian Long added: "There is little point in having a healthy and well-educated workforce if transport, electricity or water supplies to offices, hospitals and schools are unreliable."