Engineering news
Manufacturers have called for an independent infrastructure authority to be set up to encourage "vitally needed" investment in roads and energy.
The EEF, the manufacturers' organisation said the move was needed to end decades of "political wrangling and poor planning".
The business group said there were continued concerns over the UK's "neglected" road and energy infrastructure, as well as "prevarication" over expanding airport capacity.
EEF business environment policy adviser, Chris Richards, said: "Political prevarication and policy reversals have left Britain in the slow lane in developing its infrastructure for decades. The neglect of our roads, the indecision on expanding airport capacity and, the agonising over high speed rail routes connecting our major cities have only served to exacerbate the feeling that Britain's infrastructure is not geared up to support growth.
"We now have the opportunity to put in place a new independent system that will aid long-term planning supporting more of a consensus based approach in identifying future needs. All political parties need to commit to this in their forthcoming manifestos."
A UK infrastructure authority would also look for future challenges, ensuring debates are backed by trusted analysis, Richards added.
In response, a Treasury spokesperson said: "The government's National Infrastructure Plan is designed to deliver the world class infrastructure the UK needs to compete. It is a key part of the government's long term economic plan with the government investing in infrastructure around the country to create a more balanced, resilient economy.
"This year over 200 new projects worth an estimated £36 billion are due to start, creating thousands of jobs, securing future growth and delivering the world class infrastructure Britain deserves."
The Labour Party said it will establish an independent national infrastructure commission if it wins the general election.