RHA welcomes A66 Transpennine improvement scheme

The RHA welcomes the Planning Inspectorate announcement that the A66 Northern TransPennine improvement scheme can go ahead. 

This scheme will see an investment of £1.3bn to ensure 50 miles of carriageway is duelled in its entirety.

The A66 is the key strategic road link between the M6 and the A1 for businesses in Cumbria and North Yorkshire. We therefore welcome that investment is being made to ensure that this link is fit for purpose. We look forward to seeing a clear timetable for construction in due course.

Commenting on the announcement, RHA Policy Lead, James Barwise​​​​ said:

“HGVs account for a quarter of all traffic on this stretch of the A66 and any delays to journeys can have a negative effect on businesses, including lost working time and missed shipment slots. This welcome investment in the A66 is not only a vote of confidence in our road network, but in the UK’s road haulage sector too.

“We’re looking forward to working with National Highways in the weeks and months ahead to ensure that disruption from construction works to local business is kept to a minimum. We will continue to explore further ways in which the scheme can support the needs of the industry including plans for sufficient truck parking and rest areas to meet the needs of professional drivers.”

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About the RHA

The RHA is a member-led trade association supporting people and businesses in the road transport industry across the United Kingdom.

We offer a voice for our members to work with governments, policy makers, and local authorities across the UK on the issues most important to them. We campaign on a breadth of priorities including changes to legislation, rising fuel costs, better roadside facilities, and the transition to a Net Zero transport system.

Our 8,500 members have access to technical and professional services to help them comply with industry regulations and assist them in running their businesses efficiently.

Better roads, better facilities, and more safer and secure parking is a key RHA priority.

Recently we welcomed the announcement from Government on upgrades to some driver facilities across the country as part of our ongoing facilities campaign.