Cutting transport and infrastructure would be a serious mistake

Following reports that capital spending could be trimmed across departments to fund defence, RHA MD Richard Smith said:

An increase in defence spending is an inevitability. To secure growth in the economy, the government must support the road freight sector too.

"We are clear: Transport cannot be treated as an easy saving. If you target transport for an easy saving, you are hampering a key industry that the supply chain and every household and business relies upon.

"Spending money on roads is an investment in the economic health of the country. The Strategic Road Network (SRN) carries 66% of all freight traffic, so investing in it supports the Government's stated aim of economic growth.

Congestion costs the country more than £30bn every year in delays and lost productivity. We need more, not less investment in repairing and improving both local roads and nationally significant roads."

Richard added:

"Clearly, increasing defence spending, economic growth, and road freight, which accounts for 85% of movement in the country, are all intrinsically linked and vital. We call on the Government to ensure there is a balanced approach when reviewing spending and resilience.

"If policymakers are serious about long-term growth, drastically cutting transport and infrastructure would be a serious mistake."

ENDS