STRATEGY FOR THE FUTURE

Recent financial restraints have had the effect of encouraging short term lower cost maintenance measures. There is now an urgent need to review the way in which local and national infrastructure needs are planned to stop the decline in the UK infrastructure. Examples are given to show how public spending on maintenance has decreased since 1972/73. Road conditions have changed so that there has been a considerable deterioration in urban principal roads; some structural deterioration could well be masked by short term surface treatment. Both the decline of public transport and the increased proportion of defective sewers are related to decreased spending. Problems are acute in urban areas and more priority should be given to them. More positive efforts should be made to involve the private sector in the financing and construction of major schemes. As it is unlikely that resources will be able to meet the potential demand, priorities must be identified and the effect of deferred expenditure monitored. It is essential that the limited funds available are fully and effectively spent. The key to efficient planning and implementation is early notification of resource levels and advance approval to allow good time for lengthy procedures. (TRRL)

  • Availability:
  • Supplemental Notes:
    • This paper was presented to the Institution of Municipal Engineers' 110th Annual Conference held at Eastbourne in June 1983.
  • Corporate Authors:

    Kingslea Press Limited

    Central Buildings, 24 Southwark Street, London Bridge
    London,   England 
  • Authors:
    • Mustow, S N
  • Publication Date: 1983-9

Media Info

  • Features: Figures; Tables;
  • Pagination: p. 281-285
  • Serial:
    • MUNICIPAL ENGINEER
    • Volume: 110
    • Issue Number: 9
    • Publisher: Thomas Telford Limited
    • ISSN: 0263-788X

Subject/Index Terms

Filing Info

  • Accession Number: 00382095
  • Record Type: Publication
  • Source Agency: Transport Research Laboratory
  • Files: ITRD, TRIS
  • Created Date: Apr 30 1984 12:00AM