CIHT Urges Long-Term Infrastructure Commitments Ahead of Scottish Elections

The Chartered Institution of Highways & Transportation (CIHT) has called on Scotland’s next government to prioritise long-term investment in transport infrastructure, warning against continued reliance on short-term fixes.

The appeal comes ahead of the upcoming Holyrood elections on 7 May, with the organisation outlining four key areas where it believes action is urgently needed.

Focus on Long-Term Asset Management

CIHT is urging policymakers to move away from reactive maintenance approaches, such as patching potholes, and instead commit to sustained investment in managing infrastructure over its full lifecycle. This includes addressing ageing assets, improving structural integrity, and strengthening resilience to climate impacts.

Balancing Resilience and Net Zero Goals

The institution also emphasised the need to align decarbonisation targets with practical measures to improve transport resilience. It recommends conducting vulnerability assessments, allocating targeted funding, and ensuring budgets can respond to unexpected disruptions.

Improving Accessibility and Sustainability

Another priority is the delivery of more inclusive and sustainable travel options. CIHT highlighted the importance of making public transport more affordable and accessible, particularly for rural, island, and non-central belt communities. It also called for better integration between transport planning and land-use policy.

Prioritising Safety Across the Network

Safety remains a central concern, with CIHT advocating for the reintroduction of clear road safety targets at both national and local levels. It also stressed the need for consistent speed policies and recognition of the road network as a workplace, where both users and workers must be protected.

Political Commitments on Infrastructure

Transport and infrastructure have featured prominently in party manifestos ahead of the election.

• The Scottish National Party has proposed a Major Projects Office to accelerate delivery of key schemes, alongside a £350 million fund to address potholes over four years.

• Scottish Labour plans to introduce a National Transport Connections Plan and review the infrastructure pipeline to ensure nationwide benefits.

• Reform UK has pledged 10-year programmes to upgrade major roads and modernise rail and harbour infrastructure.

• The Scottish Conservatives have proposed a National Bridge Restoration Fund and fast-track legislation to accelerate upgrades to key trunk roads, including the A1, A9, and A96.

• The Scottish Liberal Democrats aim to establish a data-led Dangerous Roads Programme and develop a long-term ferry and port strategy spanning 30 years.

• The Scottish Greens have called for new railway stations in several locations and support devolving Network Rail powers to Scotland.

CIHT welcomed the prominence of transport within party plans but stressed that long-term delivery must now match political ambition.

Industry Calls for Broader Reform

CIHT chief executive Sue Percy highlighted the importance of transport infrastructure in supporting both daily life and economic growth. She said the organisation is ready to work with the next government to turn manifesto commitments into a properly funded, long-term programme that delivers resilient, low-carbon, and inclusive transport systems.

Other industry bodies have echoed similar concerns. Earlier this year, the Association for Consultancy and Engineering (ACE) called for significant reforms to how infrastructure is planned and delivered in Scotland, citing governance challenges, short-term funding cycles, and barriers to long-term strategy.

Meanwhile, the Federation of Master Builders (FMB) has urged the creation of a cabinet-level minister for construction and infrastructure. FMB Scotland president Pam Wilson argued that the sector plays a vital role in the economy and in achieving housing and climate targets, yet lacks sufficient political representation at the highest level.

A Critical Moment for Scotland’s Infrastructure

As Scotland approaches the election, there is broad agreement across the sector that infrastructure investment must shift from short-term fixes to a more strategic, long-term approach. Industry leaders argue that doing so will be essential to improving resilience, supporting economic growth, and meeting environmental goals.