Major road investment needed now to meet 1.5m housebuilding targets

The Road Haulage Association (RHA) is today calling on the Government to prioritise investment in critical road infrastructure to support its target of building 1.5 million new homes over the next five years. 

Decision makers must prioritise investment in infrastructure projects that connect communities and reduce congestion.

RHA Policy lead, James Barwise said:
"The road freight and logistics sector will be crucial to meeting the aim of building new homes. Our industry is vital to moving the materials to build houses across the country. Every new home is a new delivery point – so more homes must be matched with an increase in premises and land allocation to service them.

"Housing developments are too often denied planning permission due to underinvestment on the highways network. Poor roads are stopping housing plans. (*Some examples below.) 

The RHA is calling for the government to invest in both the strategic and local road network, to help housing developments progress and to give a vote of confidence in local freight and logistics businesses that are crucial to connecting communities and growing the economy. 

James added:
"For the government to meet its ambitious house-building targets, there's a need for urgent investment in our highways network to ensure that housing developments are approved and not at risk of being rejected. Only by getting spades in the ground soon to provide a modern and efficient road network, can we meet these housebuilding targets” 

--ENDS-- 

Notes to Editor: *In 2023, a 3800 homes development in Esrick, North Yorkshire wasn’t taken forward due to its potential impact on the A19. *Last year, a proposal for 1,700 homes in Alderholt, Dorset was rejected because of the pressure it would place on the already strained rural road network. The RHA has found a number of regionally specific examples across the country.

For any more information or to arrange to speak with an RHA spokesperson, contact RHA Press Officer Jon Lavery. E: [email protected]