7 December 2006

The Eddington Transport Study, published 1 December 2006, is the most thorough investigation the UK has carried out on the benefits of transport investment.

The report looks at the long-term links between transport and the UK's economic productivity, growth and stability, within the context of the Government's commitment to sustainable development. The report, subtitled "The case for action", holds some key lessons for South Africa.

The report may help unblock delayed transport investment, especially in roads. It shows quite clearly that underinvestment in transport infrastructure significantly increases social and economic costs.

While the main focus of the study is not so much on "which mode" but on "which transport need'" has the highest priority within that economy, the report shows that road investments typically have greater benefits than most rail investments. (See paragraph 1.123 on page 46.)

An important point in the report is that while environmental impacts of transport investments (which have been quantified) are significant, they are not the "show stoppers" that some people regard them to be. They tend to be very location specific. "The key message is that policy makers must be careful not to generalise about the impacts of such policies and to assess individual schemes on their merits."

A comprehensive system of road pricing is a major recommendation - a targeted and significant scale of investment in new infrastructure especially in and around urban areas and to decongest major international gateways. Passenger and freight is also a key point.

Download a copy of the summary report of the Eddington Transport Study: The case for action [PDF,2Mb]

See www.hm-treasury.gov.uk for the full report and other links.