The Road Haulage Association (RHA) has welcomed the Government’s announcement that major road schemes in the Midlands and the north of England will receive funding as part of a wider drive to improve national transport links and support economic growth.
Key projects confirmed for investment include the A66 Northern Trans-Pennine route, the M60/M62/M66 Simister Island junction, and the A46 Newark Bypass – schemes that the RHA had identified as priorities in its Future of Roads report.
Richard Smith, managing director at the RHA, said: “The A66 Northern Trans-Pennine, the M60/M62/M66 Simister Island, and the A46 Newark Bypass ministers have earmarked for backing are key projects we identified as vital for our sector in our Future of Roads report.
“We have campaigned for them to be given funding and we are glad that the Government has listened.”
He added: “We’re also pleased to see support pledged for the M54 – M6 Link Road in Staffordshire and the A38 in Derby.”
Smith said improvements to these routes would support economic development, infrastructure delivery and housebuilding: “Improving our roads will unlock economic potential and drive growth across the country and are crucial for facilitating the Government’s pledge to build 1.5 million new homes by 2029.
“They will be key for our sector to play its part to help them meet that target and keep new households supplied with the goods, infrastructure and services they will need.”
Highlighting the wider economic benefits, he said: “Congestion costs the country £30.8bn a year in delays and disruption so it’s vital that the Government invests in a road building programme that shortens journey times, better connects communities and lays the groundwork to boost business and create jobs.”
Looking ahead to the next Road Investment Strategy (RIS3), Smith urged the Government to maintain momentum: “Ministers will shortly announce their long-term plans for improving our road networks in the upcoming third Road Investment Strategy (RIS3). We urge them to be ambitious when they set out their vision.”
This story first appeared in our sister title The Haulier.
