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Railhub Archive
2003-05-15 DfT-001
Department for Transport0
Building a better transport system
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 Department for Transport
 
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   Building a better transport system
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type Press release
The Department for Transport's annual report, published today, sets out progress made over the past year to improve the country's transport system.
The Department for Transport was set up in May 2002, to provide a sharper focus on transport issues.
Publishing the report, Transport Secretary Alistair Darling said:
"We're now spending £250 million each week to improve transport in this country to make up for decades of under investment. It's an increase in spending of two thirds over the last three years.
"This report sets out the tangible improvements this money is delivering. With investment in roads, rail and other public transport to build a safer and more reliable transport network.
"There are no quick fixes. A lot more needs to be done before we get the transport system the public expect and deserve. But we've got a long-term investment strategy in place and we're determined to see it through."
Progress highlighted in the report includes:
- 10 major trunk road schemes completed in the past year - nearly 50 more due to be completed in the next 5 years;
- a fall in the number of people killed and seriously injured on the roads;
- a record £1.6 billion of investment in local transport, much of it going to support 19 new major local transport schemes, announced in December 2002;
- creation of Network Rail, a 'not for dividend' company concentrating on maintaining and renewing Britain's rail network;
- in the last two years more than 1,100 new carriages entering service on the railways. A thousand more are due to come on line this year;
- modernising the tube - contracts signed with two private sector companies that will see £16 billion spent over 15 years;
- light rail use increasing - a new tram is due to start operating in Nottingham this year and work on others is underway.
Notes to Editors
1. The 2003 Annual Report for the Department of Transport is published by the Stationery Office (ISBN 0-10-159072-5, cover price £36.60). It is available at http://www.dft.gov.uk
Public Enquiries: 020 7944 8300
Department for Transport Website: http://www.dft.gov.uk
Railhub Archive ::: 2003-05-15 DfT-001
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