The RHA urges the government to invest in UK road growth

You don’t need to be a professional driver or fleet manager to know that the UK’s road network is the backbone of the country’s economy, facilitating the movement of goods, services, and people across the length and breadth of the nation. However, it’s no secret that the state of the roads in recent years, and the accompanying lack of investment in infrastructure, have together become ever-more significant barriers to economic growth.

Recently, that’s led the Road Haulage Association (RHA) to issue a strong call to the government to prioritise investment in the UK's strategic road network, with a view to ultimately removing an increasingly-urgent barrier for UK businesses. The urgency is understandable – after all, while devices like TankSafe Optimum can provide an easy way to protect your fuel, protecting your tyres from potholes and poor road conditions isn’t quite as much of an easy fix!

So, here’s what you need to know.

The challenges faced by the current road network


Despite the undeniable importance of the road network, to put in bluntly many UK roads are in dire need of improvement. Congestion, delays, and poorly maintained roads are widespread issues that not only frustrate commuters but also impose significant costs on businesses. The RHA estimates that congestion alone costs the economy £30 billion annually. It’s a disturbingly heavy toll on industries that rely on fast and efficient road transport to move goods and services.

And of course, the challenges extend beyond simply congestion. Many parts of the UK’s road network are simply not fit for purpose in a modern economy. Outdated infrastructure, lack of sufficient roadside facilities, and inadequate lorry parking spaces exacerbate the strain on road users. (There’s also the fact that many drivers feel lots of roadside facilities are unsafe, as we’ve covered before.) They’re all problems that can have a major impact on productivity, increase operational costs, and generally diminish the quality of life for professional drivers and others who rely on the roads for their daily work.

Road investment as a catalyst for economic growth


So then, onto the RHA’s suggestions. There’s no question that the organisation’s latest report makes a compelling case for why investing in road infrastructure is crucial for long-term economic success. According to the report, the UK could see a £26 billion benefit from investing in a series of major road projects. The trade body argues that these improvements are not just about upgrading concrete and mortar, but are a critical investment in the nation’s businesses, communities, and overall economic growth.

To put that into perspective, it estimates that for every £1 spent on major improvements such as new bypasses and junction upgrades, £2 of economic benefits are generated. It’s a powerful multiplier effect that illustrates the far-reaching advantages of prioritising road investments. By the same token, with 81% of all freight moved by road, any disruptions or inefficiencies in the system ripple throughout the economy.

The need for planning reform and faster decision-making


At the moment, arguably the most significant obstacle to addressing these issues is the slow pace of decision-making and planning for road improvement projects. Specifically, the RHA has highlighted that delays in the approval and implementation of key infrastructure projects are stalling progress. In particular, the Nationally Significant Infrastructure Projects (NSIPs) process has been criticised for its inefficiency, which has contributed to the delays of vital projects like the A27 Arundel Bypass and the A303 improvements. They’re both projects that are essential for easing congestion, improving safety, and supporting economic activity in key regions.

One of the key points the RHA is calling for is an urgent reform of the planning system, including faster approval processes to streamline decision-making and ensure that road improvement projects can be delivered without unnecessary delays.

Paving the way for future success


So then, looking ahead now, the RHA is pushing for a fresh pipeline of road projects to be included in the upcoming Road Investment Strategy (RIS3). Ideally, this strategy needs to prioritise key projects that will not only improve the UK’s road network but also support job creation and regional economic growth. The Lower Thames Crossing, for example, has the potential to alleviate congestion on other routes in the region and improve journey times for freight operators, coaches, and van users across the country.

However, one thing the RHA’s report makes clear is that road improvements should not focus solely on the roads themselves. There’s also a clear need for investment in roadside facilities, such as lorry parking spaces, coach facilities, and green infrastructure. They’re all critical facilities for supporting the logistics and transport sectors, ensuring that the UK’s road network is equipped to handle the demands of a growing economy.

It's certainly a comprehensive summary of the main challenges currently facing the UK transport network. As for how many of the RHA’s specific requests the government will eventually implement… well, we’ll have to see how it goes!

Whatever happens though, you can always count on us here at TankSafe to do what we do best – protecting your fleet’s most valuable asset. Anti-siphon devices like our TankSafe Optimum are one of the single most reliable ways to protect your fuel. It’s the only anti-siphon device that offers 3-in-1 protection, with a patented mechanism that’s guaranteed to prevent fuel theft.

You can read more about how TankSafe Optimum works, or don’t hesitate to get in touch with our team if you have any further questions about the best ways to protect your fuel in 2024. Give us a quick call on 01253 400 401, and we'll be happy to help however we can!