BRITISH industry this week set out the priorities it wants to see in party manifestos in the run-up to the May 5 General Election – with transport forming a major part.

The Confederation of British Industry (CBI) said that transport was a key public service priority for firms and had one of the greatest influences on competitiveness. It added that there was widespread dissatisfaction on progress so far.

It is calling on the main parties to detail how they expect the transport system to look in 20 to 30 years’ time and develop an implementation plan of how that vision can be achieved.

CBI director general Sir Digby Jones said: ‘A better transport system is crucial for business. But it is also a key election issue on which parties will be judged. All voters may not regularly use hospitals or schools, but transport touches their lives every day and it is one of the largest single items of household spending.

‘Tucking it away in a box marked ‘too difficult and too expensive’ will not do.’ In its business manifesto, the CBI says on transport: ‘Efficient links provide access to markets, enhance operational efficiency, support labour mobility, enable economies of scale and help stimulate competition.

‘More than two billion tonnes of goods are moved annually within the UK and nearly half of all trips made by people in a year involve some form of interaction with business.’

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