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The volume of freight moved on roads in the North could increase by 50% by 2050, according to Transport for the North (TfN).

In a draft of its strategic transport plan for 2018-2050, the transport body outlines its plans for the increased demand on its road infrastructure.

This growth, it said, will be crucial to projected GVA increases in the region, and close the economic gap between the North and the rest of England in by 2050.

It adds that current road transport industry will not currently be able to "meet the needs of heavy bulk markets".

To support the sector, TfN said it will strengthen links between key sites such as ports, and work to improve journey times and route reliability.

The body has identified seven key routes it will improve connectivity between. One of these "strategic development corridors" is centered around improving road links between Scotland and Yorkshire.

TfN has also outlined plans for multi-modal improvements in four key zones: central Pennines; the southern Pennines; the West and Wales; and the energy coasts on the East and West of England.

The RHA said it welcomed the vision for a boosted economy in the North, but questioned whether the estimated yearly funding for the transformation plan would be enough to bridge the gap between the north and the rest of the country.

Chief executive Richard Burnett said: “An extra £700-900 million a year investment might sound like a lot, but we still don’t know what the changes to the road network to accommodate future generations of vehicles is going to cost. So we need to understand how robust this plan will be against competing demands for funding.”

TfN will run a public consultation on the draft, released earlier this week, until 17 April. A final version of the plan will be submitted to government later this year.

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The Federation for Small Businesses (FSB) said work should be underway immediately to prepare the North for the growth outlined in TfN's plan.

Its national chairman Mike Cherry said: "Small businesses need a dense, reliable and well-maintained road network to be able to grow and become more productive, so investing in roads and rail is vital. This is an important next step for businesses and communities.

"Although this is a long term plan looking ahead 30 years, small businesses need work to begin without delay. It’s critical that small firms are given a chance to secure any procurement opportunities before work starts."

The Confederation of British Industry described the draft plan as a "significant milestone" in the development of the North.

MD for infrastructure and people Nail Carberry said: "The publication of Transport for the North’s Strategic Transport Plan is a significant milestone in delivering the infrastructure that is needed to boost productivity across the whole of the North.

"Their plans for improved connections between the towns, cities and economic centres that will drive long-term growth, reflect many of the priorities highlighted by businesses in the north.

"Reaching this stage is a testament to the hard work and collaboration of elected and business leaders, who will be looking to see progress continue at pace."

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