We want a road network that's fit for purpose

Another issue facing our industry is congestion due to poor roads or incomplete infrastructure projects. To keep the economy moving and competitive, our industry needs robust infrastructure which is fit for purpose. We need a network of roads in place which are safe and reliable - with capacity to accommodate future growth in demand.

Congestion costs the UK economy approximately £30.8 billion which works out at an average cost per driver of £968 a year and for our sector, this can have real consequences where congestion is estimated to account for 16% of all outlays in road freight. That's equivalent to around £6bn a year.

Congestion can directly impact businesses in the road transport sector through wasted time and fuel and it can also indirectly have a domino effect on the operational realities for HGV, LGV and coach businesses, with increased prices through delays. The cost of a single HGV stuck in stationary traffic for an hour is £120. Additional expenditure like this is unsustainable when businesses are already under strain and financial pressure.

Infrastructure that allows the seamless flow of goods and coach passengers across the country is essential. Frictionless movement of goods across our UK road network allows businesses to grow, local economies to thrive, and new jobs to be created. A threat to the reliability of our road network can have a detrimental impact on the economic health of our country.

There are a number of major and nationally significant schemes awaiting further consent which can be transformative for freight, including the Lower Thames Crossing and we continue to support this project as it’s vital for alleviating congestion and improving journey reliability locally and nationally.

The needs of drivers should be taken into consideration too when developing these larger infrastructure projects. To unlock the full potential of projects such as the Lower Thames Crossing, we want to see facilities included so drivers can be supported and protected from freight crime - which we know is on the rise.

In our recently released Blueprint document, we made it clear that it’s crucial that the Government invests in our road network soon and speeds up delivery of road projects at all levels; from pothole repairs to bypasses to major infrastructure. A more reliable road network in place will improve journeys, reduce costs for operators, tackle congestion and unlock economic growth through better connectivity between UK towns and cities.

As the UK’s sole dedicated trade association representing HGVs, LGVs and Coaches, we are actively campaigning all year round for national, local and devolved Government to invest in the long-term health of the road system – on the strategic road network, the major road network, and on major local roads.

We will continue to engage with decision makers and articulate our concerns. Ultimately, we are guided by our members who want to see journey reliability improved and a road network that’s fit for purpose.