Mobility as a multiplier: unlocking the economic potential of inclusive transport

Britain is losing tens of billions of pounds every year because its transport system is failing millions of people, according to new research from IMechE.

Engineers warn that fixing accessibility barriers could unlock a £176.4 billion boost to the UK economy, a return that would exceed the projected cost of delivering HS2, including links to the North West and Scotland.

The report, Mobility as a Multiplier: Unlocking the Economic Potential of Inclusive Transport, argues that inaccessible transport is not simply a social issue but a major brake on economic growth, productivity and the UK's future prosperity.

Key findings and analysis

Researchers found that around £88.2 billion in economic activity is being lost every year because transport barriers prevent disabled people from accessing work. Nearly half of disabled professionals have turned down job opportunities because of transport difficulties, while around 2.8 million disabled people remain effectively locked out of the workforce in part due to inaccessible transport.

The analysis estimates that creating a fully inclusive rail network would cost between £20 billion and £24 billion over several years. However, the economic benefits would begin to flow immediately and continue to grow over time, dramatically outweighing the initial investment.

Business and transport hit hard

The economic impact stretches far beyond employment. Britain's high streets are losing up to £22.3 billion every year because one in five shopping trips by disabled consumers is abandoned due to transport barriers, affecting retail, leisure and tourism businesses across the country.

Transport operators are also paying a heavy price. But closing the accessibility gap could generate between £10.25 billion and £34.17 billion in additional annual fare revenue by enabling more people to travel confidently and regularly using public transport.

The report also highlights the significant burden placed on taxpayers and public services. The UK spends up to £7 billion each year on specialist transport services because mainstream networks remain inaccessible to many users, while missed NHS appointments linked to transport difficulties cost an estimated £216 million annually.

Engineering solutions 

Engineers argue that the solutions already exist. The report calls for new tax incentives to encourage investment in accessibility improvements, the creation of a national real-time transport accessibility data platform, and the embedding of inclusive design principles throughout engineering education, standards and professional practice.

James Partington, Director of Engineering Policy and Impact at the Institution of Mechanical Engineers, said:

"Britain does not have a transport problem but a growth problem disguised as a transport problem. Improving accessibility represents one of the fastest and most effective ways to boost economic growth, increase employment and futureproof the country. While the economic prize is enormous, the cost of doing nothing is even greater."

Read the full IMechE report.