Delivering a transport network fit for Scotland’s future

The Chartered Institution of Highways & Transportation (CIHT) has issued a strategic call to the incoming Scottish Government, advocating for a transition toward sustained, long-term transport policy and infrastructure investment.

As the Scottish Parliamentary elections approach, the CIHT’s recommendations, outlined in its latest policy framework, emphasise the necessity of moving beyond reactive maintenance toward a resilient, safe, and inclusive transport network. For the UK construction sector, this proposed shift represents a significant opportunity to engage in a more stable and predictable project pipeline, moving away from the unpredictability of short-term funding cycles.

Central to the CIHT’s proposal is a commitment to whole-life asset management. The institution urges the next administration to prioritise the structural integrity and climate resilience of ageing infrastructure over superficial repairs, such as seasonal pothole filling. This policy direction signals a growing market for main contractors and civil engineering firms specialising in large-scale structural rehabilitation and advanced lifecycle modelling. Furthermore, the integration of green and blue infrastructure to support decarbonisation goals offers a clear avenue for suppliers involved in sustainable drainage systems, nature-based engineering solutions, and carbon-neutral materials.

The CIHT further stresses that net-zero ambitions must be matched with systematic action on transport resilience. This involves comprehensive vulnerability assessments and targeted funding to safeguard the network against unforeseen climatic events. For subcontractors and consultants, this necessitates a focus on technical expertise in flood mitigation and resilient design. Additionally, the call for improved public transport accessibility, particularly within rural and island communities, highlights potential growth in multi-modal transport hubs and place-based planning initiatives. These developments require integrated land-use policy and provide opportunities for firms with expertise in accessibility infrastructure and digital transport integration.

Safety remains a cornerstone of the proposed policy framework, with the CIHT calling for the re-establishment of national road safety targets and the recognition of the highway network as a professional workplace. This focus on safety and worker protection suggests future demand for high-specification traffic management systems and innovative site safety technologies. Sue Percy CBE, Chief Executive of the CIHT, noted that professional expertise will be central to delivering these improvements. For the UK construction supply chain, the institution’s vision provides a blueprint for long-term engagement in Scotland’s infrastructure landscape, provided the next government adopts a properly funded, strategic programme that prioritises professional standards and network durability over short-term fixes. Companies that align their service offerings with these resilience and safety priorities will be best positioned to capitalise on Scotland’s evolving infrastructure requirements.