Poor transport infrastructure 'costs South-West more than £165m a year'

Date: 19/3/2013

A lack of sufficient transport infrastructure in the South-West is costing the region more than £165 million a year, a survey conducted by the South West Chambers of Commerce has revealed.

As the results of the study show, businesses in the area believe that disruptions to travel are having a significantly negative impact on the local economy.

Indeed, firms in the South-West were hit particularly hard by road closures, rail delays and cancellations that were enforced as a result of adverse weather conditions in recent months, with these issues highlighted by respondents to the survey.

Derek Phillips, Chairman of the South West Chambers of Commerce, called on the Government to provide the region with greater funding for its transport infrastructure, highlighting electrification of the rail line south of Bristol into Cornwall and the dualling of the A303 and A30 as potential areas for investment.

Posted by Sarah Bailey

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