The UK government’s Autumn Budget 2024 has received a mixed response from transportation experts and organisations. While some welcome the investments in infrastructure and sustainability, others express disappointment over lack of support for key sectors.

Infrastructure Investments

The Budget allocates:

  • £200 million for the Safer Roads Fund to improve safety on Britain’s most dangerous roads
  • £560 million to upgrade bus services across England
  • £100 million for digital signalling to improve rail efficiency
  • £100 million for Cycle City Ambition Grants to enhance cycling infrastructure

Mott MacDonald’s Managing Director for UK and Europe, Richard Risdon, praised the government’s commitment to infrastructure investment, stating: “This has the potential to create a longer-term approach to investment that is comparable with other nations in Europe.”

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Sustainability Initiatives

The Budget includes:

  • £90 million for electric vehicle charging infrastructure
  • £25 million for Sustainable Aviation Fuels
  • £20 million for green shipping initiatives

Clare Rhodes-James, Mott MacDonald’s Business Development Manager for Energy, welcomed the investment in carbon capture usage and storage (CCUS) schemes and green hydrogen projects, saying: “Now is a good time to push these projects ahead and redeploy the oil and gas skills base.”

Concerns Over Support for Taxi Sector

However, Sam Pooke, Senior Public Affairs Manager at FREENOW UK, expressed disappointment over the lack of support for the taxi sector: “The absence of measures like extending the Plug-in Taxi Grant puts our industry at risk… Without continued support, we fear that more drivers will leave the industry.”

Road Safety and Maintenance

IAM RoadSmart’s Director of Policy and Standards, Nicholas Lyes, welcomed the proposed £500m boost for pothole funding but cautioned: “The amount promised is a drop in the ocean of what is required.” He also criticized the increase in Vehicle Excise Duty on non-zero emission vehicles.

Other Key Points

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  • Fuel duty will be frozen for another year
  • Plans for a pay-as-you-drive road pricing system remain under consideration
  • The government will consult on introducing a new tax on flights to encourage sustainable travel options

Industry experts emphasise the need for a comprehensive approach to transportation, addressing infrastructure, sustainability, and sector-specific support. For further details, please refer to the Autumn Budget 2024 document.