Make more efficient use of existing infrastructure
As we have been led to believe that it is good business practice to maintain one’s existing asset base as the utmost priority before expanding that asset base, we have for some time been puzzled by the apparent insistence that funds be available for major new transport infrastructure projects when it is very often the case that funds are not available for maintaining the existing asset base.
A first example we would cite is the condition of the Glasgow Subway. Recent news reports have suggested that closure of the Subway is a genuine option being considered - and principally because there has not been sufficient investment in the infrastructure of the system. We find the proposition that Scotland’s only metro system be closed an astonishing one: it would indeed be a national embarrassment should we find ourselves in the position of closing such an important asset in our largest city.
The second example we would like to cite is that of road maintenance. While this issue is normally framed in terms of the needs of car users, good road surfaces are probably of higher importance for cyclists, while, if the term is taken to include pavement maintenance, then it is also a high priority for people travelling on foot. It is often reported that there is a multi-billion road maintenance backlog in Scotland, while it is understood that the recent severe winter will have substantially added to that backlog. In that context, we find it surprising that there is no more concerted effort to bring the condition of our roads and pavements up to the conditions seen in countries such as Germany before consideration is given to expanding the existing road network.