One reason why Trams cost more to build in the UK is the extent to which we move pipes and wires beneath tram lines. It's a great deal for water and power companies, but a terrible deal for taxpayers and commuters. Let's learn from Europe on this.

Here’s our new report written with Britain Remade - it sets out in detail precisely what can be done to make it much easier and cheaper to build the trams we desperately need in Britain to boost prosperity, growth and new homes at #GentleDensity not at unsustainable &

This is my favourite figure from the report. Partly because it's a bit new. But mostly because it explains quite a lot of the result which Britain Remade have been banging on about for ages now --- that infrastructure in Britain costs far too much.

There is a mystery at the heart of Britain's transport. Why does it cost more than twice European average to create trams & >3 times as much as in Germany? Our latest report with Britain Remade sets out to solve the puzzle & make practical & actionable proposals to fix it & boost

Very good report by the excellent Britain Remade on how we could build trams faster and cheaper, & how we can plan proactively for transport-focused regeneration to maximise the benefits (using Leeds as a case study). Very pleased to host the launch at our Arup UK #Leeds office.

This fact from the Britain Remade report on trams:

This report poses some important questions. We need to understand why it's so expensive and lengthy to deliver new trams. We need better connectivity in the West Midlands and breaking down some of the barriers to infrastructure delivery will help us.

If you missed it during the summer break, here’s our landmark report with Britain Remade into why British trams cost too much to build and how to fix it .. createstreets.com/projects/10562/

Is there a huge desire amongst Brits for EV protectionism? Not particularly:

If it gets planning permission, the £9bn Lower Thames Crossing will be Britain's most expensive transport project. Here's the case for funding it privately. samdumitriu.com/p/how-to-fund-…

Looking for some Friday reading? How about Jeremy Driver's latest piece, which delves into public attitudes to green protectionism: normielisation.substack.com/p/what-do-the-…

NEW: My case against a single national wholesale price for electricity. Here's why Britain should be more like Texas and move to a system of local energy pricing. samdumitriu.com/p/where-the-wi…

Q: How can we incentivise communities to accept energy infrastructure being built near them? A: Locational pricing, which allows people to benefit from cheaper bills for hosting energy in their area

Our environmental regulations are a mess - they're both failing to protect nature and stopping us building clean infrastructure. Here's how to get them right: britainremade.substack.com/p/how-to-get-h…