CIVIL engineers say the government must come up with extra cash to expand tram schemes such as Manchester's Metrolink or face "meltdown".

A survey by the Institution of Civil Engineers (ICE) found that 70 per cent of people believe improving public transport is the best way of combating congestion on the roads.

In a report called State Of The Nation, the ICE calls for the government to keep its promise to increase transport funding to deliver the expansion of light rail systems and bring further investment for existing tram schemes.

Dr Colin Clinton, ICE president, said: "There will always be essential car journeys but, with a quarter of car trips in the UK being less than two miles, ICE believes the majority of these can be made by public transport, walking or cycling.

"We've got no option other than the carrot and stick. The carrot option is to encourage increased bus, train and tram use. The stick option is to charge drivers to use highways. Ultimately, the future of UK roads is simple - increased governmental promotion of public transport or meltdown."

The government withdrew funding from the expansion of Metrolink last year and, although talks are ongoing and extra cash has been promised for the existing system, there is still no firm start date.

Investment is also needed for quality bus stations, taxi ranks and railway stations to make public transport more attractive, as well as extra funding for transport in rural areas, according to the report.

Review

Brian Souter, boss of bus operator Stagecoach, recently called for more investment, saying Greater Manchester's new Local Transport Plan, showed "no vision" for buses.

His company - which runs dozens of routes across the south Manchester area - has now commissioned an independent review of the plan in an attempt to force change.

On the railways, the ICE singles out the West Coast mainline route for praise, saying similar high-speed services should be introduced on other major routes.

Coun Roger Jones, chairman of Greater Manchester Passenger Transport Authority, said: "We welcome the findings of this survey as it shows members of the public recognise the important role public transport plays in reducing traffic congestion.

"In Greater Manchester we have made great strides over the past few years to improve our public transport network. However, we realise that much more needs to be done to attract more people out of their cars.

"It is vital government continues to invest in public transport schemes, such as Metrolink, which have a proven record of encouraging people to leave their cars at home for some journeys.

"We also welcome support for other bus initiatives such as the Leigh, Salford and Manchester Guided Busway. Only with continuous investment can we attain the truly functional and integrated public transport network that we and the government aspire to."