Building a second high speed rail line in the UK is low in the list of priorities for senior figures in business, a new study has revealed.
The Insitute of Directors (IoD) surveyed more than 1200 of its members about their views on UK transport infrastructure.
Overall, the majority (58%) think that transport in the UK is poorly integrated, while 66% think it doesn’t offer good value for money.
The government’s plans for HS2 had a mixed reception: Some 38% think a new high speed line would represent “poor value for money”, compared with 30% who think it would represent good value.
Meanwhile, just 23% of survey respondents agree that a new high speed rail line between Birmingham and London would have a positive impact on the productivity of their business.
IoD members feel warmer towards increased airport capacity – 40% think expansion in London and the South East would improve productivity, while 48% think the same for growth elsewhere.
Simon Walker, IoD’s director general, said: “Good transport infrastructure is crucial to IoD members up and down the country. Businesses are not happy with the current state of the UK’s infrastructure.
“IoD members are enthusiastic about airport capacity expansion, but the planning system has held back development. We need to see bold and financially sound decisions made about upgrading our congested networks.”
www.iod.com