BRITISH business chiefs, including operators of some of the UK's largest fleets, have told the Government more than £200 billion must be spent on the crumbling transport system over the next 10 years just to bring it up to scratch with the rest of Europe. More billions will be needed to give Britain a road, rail, sea and air infrastructure with a competitive edge, according to the Confederation of British Industry, which has sent a salvage charter to Transport Minister Lord Macdonald.

The call for action comes two months ahead of the expected publication of the Spending Review 2000, which will form the basis of a 10-year investment plan from the DETR transport 'transformation' task force led by Lord Macdonald. The CBI's National Council proposes pouring £25 billion into improving roads, £79 billion on upgrading local transport and injecting £62 billion into rail schemes. It also says £9 billion needs to be earmarked for aviation, £3 billion for waterways, £2 billion new technology research and development, and £29 billion for environmental work.

CBI director general Digby Jones said: 'The sums are large but even then we may not meet 'best in Europe'. Digby claimed the Government spends half the amount in real terms today on roads and public transport than it did 25 years ago but raises £36 billion from road users annually.