Sir John Armitt, former chief executive at Network Rail, thinks an independent commission should be in place for the country's infrastructure, including transport.

As part of a new report, Sir John has called for a National Infrastructure Commission. This would be appointed by the government and opposing parties with an aim to identify and evaluate the UK's long-term needs in infrastructure, looking at a time frame of 25 to 30 years ahead.

Sir John was asked for the review by Ed Balls, the shadow chancellor.

The idea has already been met with positive response. Chief policy director for the Confederation of British Industry Katja Hall said: "An independent commission would ensure that politicians could no longer duck the difficult infrastructure questions which our long-term economic prosperity depends on."

Ms Hall also said such a commission would prevent politicians from avoiding difficult questions important to long-term prosperity. She also emphasised that current decisions, such as the Davies Review on aviation, are not affected.

One of the issues already being raised by Sir John and the report is that politicians and parties rarely last in power long enough to maintain long-term projects.