GTMC has welcomed commitments from the major political parties to focus on key transport issues such as airport expansion in the south-east and high-speed rail projects such as HS2.
But GTMC chief executive Paul Wait called for more to be done to ensure that transport and business travel “can work to deliver growth for the UK economy”.
“It is encouraging to see that transport has been acknowledged by the main political parties ahead of the forthcoming election and is firmly on their agenda,” said Wait.
“That said, the fact that none of the main parties have stated their position on APD is disappointing. Our latest research highlighted that over half (51 per cent) of business travellers said they would fly more frequently following the introduction of a simplified or reduced APD structure.
“There is a distinct short-sightedness from government in recognising the potential value that increased travel and trade to international markets can bring to the UK economy.
“Across the board we urge the next government to place transport at the top of its ‘to do list’ so that business travel has the infrastructure in place to deliver economic growth.”
GTMC has also produced a summary on what the major five nationwide parties have said - or not – on major policies affecting business travel. See the guide.