Industry embraces Eddington Report

Construction industry representatives have welcomed the focus a key report looking at modernising the UK transport network has given to planning and a strategic framework for delivery.

The Eddington Report, led by former British Airways chief Sir Rod Eddington, attracted widespread media coverage for its advocacy of road pricing and its conclusion that large-scale transport infrastructure projects were not a priority.

But chairman of Constructing Excellence's new Infrastructure Forum, Andrew McNaughton, highlighted that it was Edd-ington's comments on the planning process and strategic framework that were of real interest to civil engineers.

He welcomed the "intelligent approach" that the report advocated, co-ordinating transport needs with climate change considerations. He said: "A key point brought out by our members was the need to engage with the government to push forward for a much longer-term agenda."

The Civil Engineering and Contractors Association agreed the "most encouraging element" of Eddington's advice was that the Department for Transport (DfT) should focus on enabling the system to deliver, recommending a three-part strategic framework: a long-term outlook over the next 20-30 years, a 10- to 20-year strategy for delivering on each of its objectives, and a 5- to 10-year statement of commitments.

Both also welcomed Eddington's claim that there was a "strong case for reforming the planning process for major transport infrastructure".

He proposed moving the system around so that government ministers stated strategic objectives, rather than being involved in the decision stage. He also called for wider public consultation and an independent planning commission to take the final decision.

McNaughton said he agreed with Eddington's conclusion that transport infrastructure was key to the economy and welcomed the report's focus on urban catchments, inter-urban corridors and international gateways to stimulate growth.

However, Institute of Highway Incorporated Engineers vice president Tony Sharp warned the government that it should not neglect small-scale road-building and maintenance schemes of between £20,000 and £150,000, simply because Sir Rod had eschewed major projects.

Sharp said: "We can't lose sight of the fact that those works will need to take place, and will need funding."

A response from the DfT to the report is expected this week, to coincide with today's (Wednesday) Pre-Budget Report.

[Contract Journal, 06  December 2006, p 3]