£180bn transport fillip still on track

THE Chancellor reaffirmed the Government's commitment that £180bn would be spent over the next 10 years improving Britain's transport system - highlighted in a report this week as being the worst in Europe.

That includes £56.3bn from the private sector. But there is doubt over whether that will now be available in full because of financial backers' fears after Railtrack was forced into administration.

A spokesman for the Association of Train Operating Companies said: 'We are glad to hear the Chancellor confirm the 10-year plan. Of the £180bn, rail will be allocated £60bn. Everything now depends on what is in the Strategic Rail Authority's overall strategic plan.'

The costed plan will spell out how much will be spent and where, and is due to be published after Christmas.