The government’s third Road Investment Strategy (RIS3), published on 26 August, recognises that the UK’s motorways and trunk roads are “the economic arteries of the country” and it is “delays, bottlenecks and deteriorating infrastructure that stifle progress.”
The £25 billion investment in the Strategic Road Network (SRN) committed in the strategy is welcomed by business group Logistics UK, and Head of Infrastructure and Planning Policy Jonathan Walker says the focus must now switch to delivery:
“The current poor road conditions act as a “tax on business” and our members will be encouraged that the Road Investment Strategy addresses network reliability through a focus on proactive asset management and preventative maintenance. It is estimated that every £1 invested in the SRN returns over £2 to society so the business case for investment is clear.
“Logistics UK is also pleased to see network performance on key freight routes will be prioritised, and there are explicit commitments to meet the needs of the freight and logistics sector through areas such as alleviating weight and height restrictions and improving driver facilities – something Logistics UK has been campaigning for, for several years.
“The emphasis must now be on delivery and ensuring that National Highways is sustainably funded to leave the SRN in a better condition at the end of the RIS3 period in 2031 than it is today.”
Source: Head of Infrastructure and Planning Policy, Jonathan Walker >