Transport planning bosses and logistics professionals may welcome a new government scheme to help speed up planning decisions for major infrastructure projects.
Under changes announced today (October 1st), a newly-formed Infrastructure Planning Commission (IPC) will be in place to consider developments that are vital to the country's future, such as roads, railways and airports.
The new regime will see eight former planning processes replaced by a single system, slashing the time taken to make decisions on projects from up to seven years to less than 12 months.
IPC chair Sir Michael Platt said: "The opening of our doors today represents a major milestone in the history of infrastructure planning and a major opportunity to shape our country's long-term sustainable development."
Ministers said the changes to the system will save the country up to £300 a year, as well as ensuring the right infrastructure is in place to create the conditions for future economic success.
The announcement comes after the Freight Transport Association last month urged the government not to cut spending on the UK's transport infrastructure.
Despite the pressure of the recession, it claimed continued investment in roads and railways is vital to the country's economic future.
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