The RHA is launching a report today (20 January) which argues for road investment as a way to drive growth.

The report, dubbed The Future of Roads Report: Delivering Sustainable, Inclusive, Economic Growth, sets out a case for investing in a series of major road projects which it estimates would boost the UK economy by £26bn.

The paper also stresses the importance of the UK’s strategic road network in connecting towns, cities, communities, and businesses.

The report will be presented tomorrow to the Roads Minister and to MPs from across the political spectrum, as part of its parliamentary reception in Westminster.

Looking ahead to the Government’s Spending Review, the RHA is also urging decision-makers to prioritise investment in the road network to secure long-term economic growth and create the conditions for British businesses to thrive.

Announcing the report the RHA said: “At a time when businesses across the country are looking for certainty, investing in the road network is a chance to provide it by connecting communities and reducing the daily challenges of congestion and unreliability which are too often present on our roads.”

Richard Smith, RHA MD, commented: “Investment in our road network is not simply an investment in concrete and mortar, it’s an investment in our businesses, communities, and the wider economy.

“The strategic road network is the workplace of the road freight, coach and van sector, supporting the movement of goods and people the length and breadth of the country.

“Eighty one percent of all freight is moved by road. This is a pivotal moment to make key roads safer, more efficient and capable of supporting the demands of a growing economy.” 

The strategic network accounts for 70% of all HGV kilometres, which the RHA argues makes it central to the road freight, logistics and coach sector, as well as the tourism sector, with one in ten trips made by coach to holiday destinations and attractions.

The report also highlights the value for money of road investment, estimating that every £1 spent on new bypasses, junction improvements, and carriageways brings £2 of benefits for the economy. 

Smith also called for an urgent reform of the planning system to ensure these projects are delivered.

He added: “In recent years, the speed of decision-making for Nationally Significant Infrastructure Projects (NSIPs) has slowed significantly, delaying much needed improvements to the road network

“We’re calling for radical reform to streamline the planning and consenting processes, ensuring that projects can be completed swiftly.

“Improving our roads will increase productivity, create jobs, boost regional economies and create the sort of investment that our towns and cities need. We want to work with the government to deliver upon its central pledge of long-term economic growth. Reforming the planning system and kick-starting investment in the strategic road network would be the place to start.”