Welcome defence investment must not come at expense of vital roads

Following the Government's defence funding announcement this week, the RHA (Road Haulage Association) is warning that this welcome investment must not come at the expense of vital highways schemes


RHA MD Richard Smith said:

"This morning the Prime Minister announced measures to bolster UK defence capabilities. The defence industry is heavily reliant on the wider road transport and logistics sector, and we welcome the investment this will bring.

"However, we are concerned this investment will come at the expense of delaying or scrapping vital highways schemes, with the future of the A46 Newark Bypass in particular, announced only last summer, now in doubt."

He added:

"We are clear - this should not be a binary choice. Quality roads are crucial to the supply chain that every household and every business depends on, and investment in broader infrastructure should come alongside them, not at their expense.

"A modern, safe and fit for purpose strategic and local road network is essential for the frictionless movement of goods and passengers. With 85% of everything we buy moving by road, it is an economic and strategic necessity on which the UK economy depends."

Richard continued:

"Congestion costs the UK economy £30.8 billion a year, an average of £968 per driver. The time to invest in our road network is now, not later. We stand ready to work with government to get this right."

ENDS