My reflections on today's Budget

For a budget that had been subject to a number?of pre-announcements and pre-briefings, there was still a significant amount for industry professionals and transport enthusiasts to get excited about.

The headline HS2 announcement re Euston tunnels featured as expected and will be a relief for many, but the mention of several regional and local rail projects is in many ways more interesting. The Government have?focused?on connectivity since being elected, and projects like the Trans-Pennine upgrade and East West Rail add substance to that. There was a real emphasis on rail electrification, particularly in the Midlands?and?the North, which was expected but welcome news.

Decisions like the extension of the fuel duty freeze will prove controversial among industry experts, though it will prove?a?popular with?voters.?The extra ￡500 million?going towards the?pothole fund?will also be welcomed, which will help the Government achieve its target of fixing 1 million potholes a year.

Given the?current economic climate, this budget was never going to be a revelation for transport and infrastructure in the UK, but there is perhaps a surprising number of announcements the industry can be positive about.