Survey Shows Investment In Roads Still Top Priority for Public
26th October, 2010
ROADS and highways need the most investment, according to a public service satisfaction survey published by the Institution of Civil Engineers (ICE).
The quarterly survey, which monitors attitudes to key public services in the UK such as roads, public transport, waste facilities and energy supply to homes, found that 49 per cent of respondents placed roads and highways as most worthy of investment.
The survey findings comes just a day before the Government is set to reveal budget cuts reaching tens of billions across a range of departments.
Trish Johnson, Regional Director of ICE South West, said: “Here in the South West, we rely on a decent road network to get around and maintain connectivity with the rest of the country.
“We know the Government has to make tough decisions in order to reduce the deficit, but we are hopeful that it recognises the importance of continued investment in roads, as well as other vital infrastructure networks.”
Roads and highways have retained their position as the public’s first or second priority for more investment since the first quarter of 2010, following the worst winter for 30 years which exacerbated existing road defects and led to a 40% increase in the number of pot holes. This caused satisfaction on the state of UK roads and highways to plummet from 60% down to 46%.
Public transport came a close second to roads and highways in the public’s priority areas for investment with 40% of respondents placing this as their first or second priority area.
The disposal of rubbish and waste was next in line with 38% believing more investment is needed, up from 34% in quarter two. Respondents were more positive about services such as drinking water and sewage with 28% placing this in their top two priority areas.
Just over a fifth (21%) voted for more investment in flood defences and not surprisingly due to the survey being conducted over the summer months, only 18% believe more investment in electricity and gas supply to homes is required.
ENDS
