Government in £1.7bn pledge to improve roads and fix potholes

The government is to spend £1.7bn on improving the roads, repair bridges and fill in millions of potholes as the country starts a tentative return to work.

The Transport Investment Fund cash is intended to make journeys on roads and motorways smoother and safer over the coming weeks and months.

In addition, the government said it would accelerate more than £175m worth of work during quieter periods as people follow guidance to avoid unnecessary travel.

Transport Secretary Grant Shapps said: “To help those who do have to use public transport or get out on the roads to do their jobs, we’ve been accelerating infrastructure upgrades to make sure that, as we gradually reopen our society, everyone can benefit from smoother and safer journeys with better connections for our future.”

The FTA welcomed the announcement and said the impact of the pandemic on public finances and the wider economy was posing unprecedented challenges, which needed to be overcome if logistics was going to assist in the nation’s recovery.

Elizabeth de Jong, FTA policy director said: “Efficient and effective transport infrastructure is vital for logistics to be able to support the needs of UK businesses, with efficient interchanges and increased service options across all modes of transport, which will ensure that the freight the country needs can keep moving freely on road, rail, sea or air.

“As the recovery begins, we urge the government to continue its focus on the needs of the logistics sector when designing new transport network options, so that deliveries can be made safely and effectively alongside the introduction of new cycling and walking routes.”