Road renewal comes into focus with RIS3

As Logistics UK’s Chief Executive Ben Fletcher explains, the strategic road network is critical for the UK economy, with 80% of freight travelling on roads and a well-maintained and reliable network cutting 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.

“The 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.”