RHA calls on government to give Lower Thames Crossing the greenlight

RHA said it backs the government’s mission to drive economic growth but added that a high-quality road system is key in helping the government deliver on its aspirations.

The association added that whilst roads are the lifeblood of the UK economy, many are congested and not fit for purpose, which can put a handbrake on economic growth.

James Barwise, RHA policy lead, said: “Congestion costs the economy £30bn a year which is one why we’re calling for local, regional and national road building and improvement projects to be given the green light.

“In particular, we’re hopeful that the long-awaited Lower Thames Crossing scheme will be given the green light by the Secretary of State on Friday.

“If approved, this would relieve pressure on other routes in the region and allow for more efficient journeys, not just in the South East, but right across the country. This would be great news for operators of lorries, coaches and vans.

“We hope it doesn’t suffer the same fate as the A27 Arundel Bypass and the A303 improvement schemes which were scrapped in the summer. The former is a vital freight corridor along the south coast linking ports, and the latter a key route for coaches taking visitors to popular South West destinations. Both routes are in dire need of investment so these were big blows for local economies.”

Barwise welcomed government’s decision to launch a consultation on a new draft version of the National Planning Policy Framework, to which RHA has responded.

He added: ”We’re broadly encouraged by the proposed new version noting that it acknowledges for the first time the role that freight and logistics play in shaping a modern economy.

“But we’ve said it needs to go further and must make greater provision for lorry parking, coach facilities, green infrastructure and improving the relationship between freight, logistics and local planning.

“In a similar vein we’re also calling for a review of the Development Consent Order process to help ensure that highways schemes, roadside facilities and green infrastructure can be delivered faster.”

Turning to the Chancellor’s Budget in four weeks time, Barwise re-emphasised the importance of roads investment.

He said: ”We’ve called for the £8bn allocation of Network North road maintenance funding to stay in place to fix existing roads.

“We also urge that the forthcoming Road Investment Strategy (RIS3) features a fresh pipeline of projects to kickstart a new period of job creation and economic growth.

“And we want to see roadside facilities included too.”

Barwise concluded: “Roads are our members’ workplace – and must meet the needs of a modern economy. We’re poised to work with local and national government to help make that happen.”