The Transport Secretary, Patrick McLoughlin, has announced the government’s £15 billion plan to triple the levels of spending on England’s roads to increase their capacity and condition.
 

These plans are published today in the first ever ‘Road investment strategy’,

CIHT believe that, for this to be more effective, it should:

•    be part of a National Transport Strategy which would provide clear direction and clarification for UK transport policy – roads should not be looked at in isolation 
•    include the strategic and local road networks, rail, aviation and ports and set out how those networks integrate with one another
•    provide greater investment certainty to allow the UK to operate, maintain and construct the required transport network
•    take into account the whole life cost of transport infrastructure, including its ongoing maintenance, which needs to be recognised and resourced appropriately

Sue Percy, CIHT Chief Executive said:

“CIHT welcome the publication of this strategy that details 100 road schemes across England. Although this is not new investment, the detail of the schemes helps to provide industry with some of the certainty that it needs.

“We believe that government should recognise that the success of an improved strategic road network in meeting customer needs cannot be met without the local network being considered as part of a holistic solution.

“Certainty of investment over a sustained period will allow a more resilient network to be developed. This would allow the reformed Highways Agency and its supply chain to meet the potential challenges of climate change (and other factors) by taking a longer term view of the needs of the network.

“We are very pleased to see the reintroduction of a road safety target, with the aim of a 40% reduction in deaths and serious injuries on the network by the end of 2020.”