The Confederation of British Industry has criticised the government's £180 billion 10-year transport plan for failing to deliver many of the key schemes viewed by companies as essential to boosting competitiveness.

The CBI also said the plan needed an extra £15 billion to ensure it was properly funded, with £12 billion needing to be spent on the rail network.

In its second annual review of the plan, the CBI said 25 of the business community's 47 top priority transport schemes were still the subject of inquiries and studies, while a further seven would not be completed by 2010.

"Frankly the delays are inexcusable and something the travelling public does not deserve," said CBI director general Digby Jones.

He warned ministers that 2002 would be the "crunch year" for delivering on transport promises.