Capacity concerns amid smart motorway scrapping need to be addressed, urges Logistics UK

The move has been made in recognition of safety concerns raised about the motorways, with Rishi Sunak saying: “Many people across the country rely on driving to get to work, to take their children to school and go about their daily lives and I want them to be able to do so with full confidence that the roads they drive on are safe.”

Such measures have been welcomed in the national press, but from a logistical point of view, concerns remain over the requirement to add much needed capacity to the UK’s strategic road network.

“We appreciate the government has listened to well-voiced public concerns regarding smart motorways,” said Jonathan Walker, Head of Cities and Infrastructure at Logistics UK. “Safety and wellbeing are of paramount importance. However, in light of this cancellation our members need to know where additional road capacity to ensure the smooth running of the country will be delivered, now and in the future.”

With this in mind, Logistics UK is pressing government to provide solutions so this need can be addressed and the topic will be raised as a key agenda item in the Freight Councils meeting in May.

While no new stretches of road will be converted into smart motorways, the M56 J6-8 and M6 J21a-26 will be completed given they are already over three quarters constructed.

Published On: 27/04/2023 16:00:00

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