Civils contractors today said that the future success of England’s ports after Britain leaves the European Union will rely on a joined-up approach to infrastructure delivery.
The Department for Transport has today published studies reviewing the current status of rail and road connections to English ports, as well as recommendations for future improvements.
Transport infrastructure for our global future: a study of England’s port connectivity highlights that England’s economic success will rely upon embedding trade in transport investment priorities and decision making, while England’s Port Connectivity: the current picture sets out the Department for Transport’s intention of developing and maintaining a deeper understanding of the importance of port connectivity issues.
Commenting, Director of External Affairs for the Civil Engineering Contractors Association (CECA) Marie-Claude Hemming said: “CECA is a keen advocate of adopting a joined-up approach to infrastructure planning.
“Currently, around 95 per cent of all goods entering and leaving the UK do so by sea, and the UK’s port sector directly contributes £1.7 billion to the UK economy.
“Ports rely on good infrastructure to be successful. If England’s ports are to thrive after the UK has left the European Union, it is vital that the right projects are delivered in the right places, boosting connectivity and facilitating the movement of goods.“At the same time, investing in England’s key ports will be key to rebalancing the economy away from over-reliance on the South East.
“That’s why we have called for full Government commitment to the Northern Powerhouse Rail programme, with an emphasis on the trans-Pennine route, to support passenger growth and freight needs, linking the major ports in the North.
“Similarly, improved road and rail links to the east coast ports of Hull, Immingham, and Grimsby, will support freight growth, hinterland development, and support for offshore wind generation.
“If we are to secure post-Brexit growth, we must put the right infrastructure in place to allow England’s ports to prosper, and enable the economy to keep pace with changes to the landscape of global enterprise.”