A crisis can be a catalyst to change the financing approach

In some circumstances the public needs to be convinced that the need for infrastructure development and the associated expenditure fulfills a critical need. History tells us that an infrastructure-related crisis can often be the catalyst for such a shift in opinion. For example, failure of flood protection, power outages, or bridge collapses can lead to support for private finance if it delivers the infrastructure that will improve people's lives. Sadly enough, history also tells us that such crises often need to happen twice before public support for the investment case becomes overwhelming. For example, in the 20th century, London was twice affected by flooding (1928 and 1953) before the Thames Barrier was constructed.3