As he enters the transport department, Alistair Darling will have to get into top gear fast.

He must first respond to criticism that the government's 10-year transport plan is heading off the rails.

A deal with Virgin trains over the east coast rail line remains unresolved and the controversial part-privatisation of the tube remains a running sore.

He also faces continuing woes over national air traffic control and demands for a more aggressive bus strategy outside London.

Observers suggest that Darling may be more inclined towards road charging and could shift the government's emphasis away from uneconomic rail routes.