The RHA expressed its disappointment this week at Chancellor of the Exchequer Rachel Reeves’ decision to ditch key infrastructure projects, as part of a package of cuts aimed at tackling the £21bn funding deficit which the Labour government is attributing to years of Tory economic mismanagement.
The Chancellor’s spending plan, announced yesterday (29 July) targeted £1bn of unfunded transport projects, which she said would undergo a “thorough review”.
She also confirmed that the controversial tunnel for the A303, which was to be built under Stonehenge, along with a scheme to upgrade the A27 Arundel Bypass would be scrapped.
However RHA said scrapping key infrastructure projects will lead to greater congestion and supply chain disruption.
Responding to the Chancellor’s statement, RHA MD, Richard Smith said: We are disappointed at the announcements that key infrastructure projects - the A303 Tunnel at Stonehenge and the A27 Arundel bypass - will be cancelled.
”Investment in the Strategic Road Network is a critical part of the government’s mission to grow the economy. These vital schemes are long overdue, not just providing a link between the southeast and southwest, but also safeguarding our cultural heritage.
He added: ”A failure to invest in our road network now will mean a failure to tackle the growing problem of congestion on Britain’s roads and choke the economic recovery. It’s estimated that congestion costs the UK economy a minimum of £30.8bn a year. In the short-term, the cost of an HGV stuck in stationary traffic for an hour is £120, a crippling cost at a time when businesses are under serious financial pressures.
”In order to drive forward economic growth, we continue to urge the new government to prioritise investment in key national infrastructure projects to tackle congestion, improve road safety, support business and keep the supply-chain moving at optimum levels.”
