Logistics UK: RIS3 promises sharper focus on planned road renewal

The third Road Investment Strategy (RIS3) published today (26 March) provides a much-needed emphasis on planned, preventative road maintenance and renewal that the logistics sector has been calling for, according to business group Logistics UK, but the plan now needs to be actioned urgently. As the group’s Chief Executive Ben Fletcher explains, the Strategic Road Network is critical for the UK economy with 80% of freight traveling on roads and a well-maintained and reliable network cuts business and consumer costs. More efficient road transport also increases the resilience of the supply chain by enabling better connectivity with all other modes of freight transport.

“Today’s commitment to tackling potholes on motorways and major A-roads, is a much‑needed step forward,” he says. “Potholes have a significant impact on both productivity and safety, and our members have consistently called for investment that futureproofs the Strategic Road Network.

“The strategy’s sharper focus on planned, preventative road maintenance shows the government is listening to the industry and long-term programmes that resurface and renew roads before they fail are far more cost-effective than reactive, short-term repairs. The logistics sector has long been pressing government for a strategic approach to be taken to the roads network, and our members will welcome this commitment as an important move towards building a safer, more reliable and more resilient roads system.

“It is essential that RIS3 leaves the network in a better condition in five years’ time than it is today. The improvements outlined in the strategy must be delivered at pace to support economic growth and create the benefit from the estimated £2 return to society that every £1 invested in the Strategic Road Network delivers.”

Logistics UK is one of the UK’s biggest business groups, representing logistics businesses which are vital to keeping the UK trading, and more than seven million people directly employed in the making, selling and moving of goods. With decarbonisation, new technology and other disruptive forces driving change in the way goods move across borders and through the supply chain, logistics has never been more important to UK plc. Logistics UK supports, shapes and stands up for safe and efficient logistics, and is the only business group which represents the whole industry, with members from the road, rail, water and air industries, as well as the buyers of freight services such as retailers and manufacturers whose businesses depend on the efficient movement of goods. For more information about the organisation and its work, please visit logistics.org.uk