Watchdogs at the Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) have launched a new “market study” into the design, planning and delivery of road and railway infrastructure across the country.

The study will examine opportunities to improve how the public sector and civil engineers work together.

It is likely to result in recommendations to government but not give the CMA the power directly to intervene in the market.

The review will focus on

• Ensuring public authorities access and examine the right information to make well-reasoned decisions when procuring roads and railways. It will also consider if they can effectively work with the market to deliver projects on time, to a high quality and within anticipated budgets.
• Assessing if any procurement, planning or other regulatory processes create significant unnecessary barriers which limit companies’ ability and incentive to enter, expand, invest and innovate in this market.
• Examining any changes needed to the way this ecosystem operates to best incentivise and support civil engineering firms to deliver public roads and railways in a way that best delivers UK productivity and growth.

Sarah Cardell, Chief Executive at the Competition and Markets Authority, said: “There’s no question that reliable, high-quality infrastructure is critical in accelerating economic growth. To achieve this, public authorities and the civil engineering sector must be able to work together to deliver projects on time, within budget and to high standards.

“This review is a crucial step in identifying barriers holding back the sector – supporting the drive to get Britain building and ensuring every penny spent is delivering value for taxpayers.”

The CMA wants to hear from businesses such as those designing infrastructure projects or working across the supply chain.

For more details on how to get involved click here.

Alasdair Reisner, Chief Executive at the Civil Engineering Contractors Association, said: “Civil engineering plays a vital role in all our lives, from the largest megaprojects to the smallest local schemes. But in all cases, we must strive to work with our clients to deliver outstanding and affordable results.

“We welcome the CMA’s focus on how more productive delivery of civil engineering can secure better outcomes and help the government meet its ambitions for growth. We look forward to working to support this study.”