THE CBI wants the Government to invest an immediate £1 billion in Britain’s transport network, with an extra £60 billion added to the long-term investment programme.

The business organisation is pressing for the extra cash ahead of next week’s Pre-Budget Report after a survey of members found widespread dissatisfaction with transport and fears it was harming business.

Some 52 per cent of employers questioned said that their supply chains had suffered because of transport problems and 48 per cent said that their reputation had suffered because of transport difficulties. Just over half, 51 per cent, said that problems with transport had damaged the reputation of Britain as a place to do business.

Sir Digby Jones, Director-General of the CBI, said: “Although transport spending has risen in recent years, there are decades of under-investment to deal with and it is clear that business still finds it far too difficult to get its goods to market and its people to work . . . The Eddington review of long-term transport needs is welcome and the Government must not sweep it under the carpet if it finds it his recommendations unpalatable.”

The CBI is stepping up pressure for action on the transport network as Alistair Darling, the Transport Secretary, will today address the opening day of the CBI’s annual conference. Mr Darling will be questioned by business delegates at the conference in London.

Sir Digby went on to criticise planning regulations and environmental concerns for not allowing the easy expansion of transport facilities. He said that the situation with freight at ports was “lamentable” and said: “At some point someone is going to have to decide what is more important, the yellow-backed toad or the prosperity of the nation.”

When the Government announced its ten-year plan for transport in 2000 it said that it would spend £180 billion over the period. The CBI has estimated that spending has gone up to £240 billion. But it said the total needed to rise to £300 billion over the next ten years.

Explore Economics

• Pre-Budget Report 2009

• Budget 2009

• World Economic Forum

• The Times MPC

Times Recommends

• Lies and cover-up at MG Rover exposed by report
• High oil prices push manufacturing costs up
• Primark founder steps down as chief executive