FTA questions LibDem mixed messages

Leading trade body the Freight Transport Association (FTA) today questioned the Liberal Democrats’ mixed messages on infrastructure investment. Just days after party leader Nick Clegg announced his plans to slash the road building and maintenance budget by £980 million, his Treasury and Housing teams have launched their bid to kickstart the construction industry.

Jo Tanner of the FTA said: “On the one hand, we have Nick Clegg taking a sledgehammer to the road building and maintenance budget and on the other we have Vince Cable and Sarah Teather announcing their bid to boost the construction industry. Without decent, well-maintained roads, how do they expect construction crews to get to sites safely and efficiently? And wouldn’t the construction industry get a bigger kickstart if they were permitted to continue with planned road building and maintenance?”

The logistics industry is diverse, taking in elements of the construction and utilities sector as well as the more familiar retail sector. However, all of these elements are dependent on a reliable road network to ensure safe and fuel-efficient journeys. FTA is concerned that the compartmentalised attitude displayed by the LibDems – and others – could be damaging the ability of UK plc to make a successful return from the recession.

Jo Tanner continued: “We are all reliant on the logistics sector, from the supply of power and water to buying our weekly groceries, yet all too often it is taken for granted. FTA is ready and willing to work with politicians to find positive solutions to the challenges ahead, but knee-jerk reactions to infrastructure projects like road building and maintenance help no-one.”