The European Commission reckons Britain has the best railway in Europe and is urging other member states to follow and adapt to the UK rail system, according to Jim Steer, the new president of the Chartered Institute of Logistics and Transport.
The statement came during Steer’s speech at the president’s inauguration lunch in London, where he set out his agenda for the next twelve months.
As well as citing his presidential priorities for the next year, he announced the EU is encouraging other members to adapt the British example in managing railways as it believes it is the best in the continent.
Steer said his core focus this year is the role and contribution of transport and logistics to the economy, and their vital contribution to trade, employment and competitiveness.
Big decisions lay ahead, such as airport capacity in South East England, he said. “People have not yet fully realised the benefits of HS2. It will link three of our largest airports and we need to think about the high-speed logistics functionality this gives us.
“Once HS2 has been built, we will look back on its development and its huge benefits, just as we now reflect on the national motorway network built in the last half of the last century.”
The presidency was launched by a speech from transport minister Stephen Hammond, he said: “Transport now enjoys a higher profile in government than it did in previous years. It is now seen in government as a top priority and there is recognition that the traditional ‘stop-go’ cycle must end.”
