Britain's transport network quality damned by Institution of Civil Engineers

Major transport schemes were given “adequate for now” B ratings (Getty)

The quality of Britain’s local road network and transport links came under attack last night in a wide-ranging analysis of the nation’s infrastructure.

The Institution of Civil Engineers also raised fears about the country’s ability to cope with a repeat of this year’s widespread flooding.

On a scale of A to E, local transport was given a D- rating in a report from the institution, meaning it was assessed as being “at risk”.

Flood management and energy were both given a “requires attention” C- rating, while waste services were assessed as C+.

Water and major transport schemes were given “adequate for now” B ratings.

The institution warned it would be increasingly difficult to keep roads open and maintain transport links in future spells of extreme weather.

It said the Government should give more powers to the city regions to improve transport standards.

Keith Clarke, the institution’s vice president, said: “As the 2013/14 winter floods showed, unplanned interruptions in our networks are costly to society and the economy.

“They happen because we are trying to run all services at all times, and are deemed unacceptable as the public expect a certain level of service.”

He added: “Clearly there are some difficult decisions ahead regarding just how resilient the UK should be, and also what networks can and should operate 24/7 in what conditions.”

A Government spokesman said improving Britain’s infrastructure was a key part of its long-term economic plan. He added: “The job is not yet done, which is why we have committed to long-term funding settlements in key sectors such as roads and flood defences.”