Fitting the pieces together for a transport strategy that works

Oracle's head of real estate and facilities Tim Caiger argues that transport links will increasingly become a prime factor in location decisions. As the office becomes a multi-functional service centre for a mobile workforce and customer group - as is beginning to happen in several sectors - accessibility is a key feature in effectiveness, he says.

Achieving a smooth-running, multi-modal transportation infrastructure is easier said than done, however.

John Prescott, embattled Deputy Prime Minister and DETR supremo, can take some heart from the cautious welcome UK industry has given to the Transport Bill.

The CBI has offered 'conditional' backing but called for more investment in all types of transport.

Deputy Director General Peter Agar suggested: "The Bill will not bring a step-change unless we get substantially more public and private investment in all modes of transport as quickly as possible. We need the Government to increase investment before imposing any further charges or taxes on road users."

Elliott Chase