The Chartered Institute of Logistics and Transport in the UK (CILT), representing over 19,000 transport professionals in the UK, says that the winning party in the General Election must ensure that the transport needs of industry and society are given appropriate priority in the difficult funding decisions to come.

CILT points out that efficient and economic transport operations underpin almost every UK industry as well as providing for the entire population, whether in terms of the manufacturing economy, the supply of food, drink and other services, or the ability to travel for business or personal needs. Effective transport is as much a public good as health, education and social services but rarely receives the in depth political consideration its pivotal role deserves.

CILT Chief Executive Steve Agg says 'Transport is a utility that is as important as water, energy or telecommunications. Efficient transport matters to every one of us and the next Government must make sure that UK transport operations, and the infrastructure on which they work, are amongst the best in the world, fitting for an economy as great as ours. That requires pragmatic regulation, intelligent planning and sufficient investment.