We welcome the Chancellor’s speech yesterday setting out the importance of transport infrastructure, reform of the planning system and delivery of vital road schemes such as the Lower Thames Crossing.
We’ve been really clear that improving our road networks is a critical element to facilitate growth – and we’re pleased that the Government recognises that.
It’s right that they’re pledging long-term action to deal with the challenges of congestion, lack of connectivity and unreliability which are often all too present on our road network.
Congestion alone costs the economy £30bn a year so the likes of the Lower Thames Crossing which will take pressure off the nearby Dartford Crossing in years to come.
The Chancellor’s commitment to road upgrades to reduce journey times between Milton Keynes and Cambridge and the news of the logistics park at East Midlands Airport are positive and we look forward to seeing investment in key freight corridors as the Third Road Investment Strategy is developed.
The Strategic Road Network is the workplace of our sector and is absolutely critical in keeping the flow of goods and people moving. A more efficient road network will facilitate the construction industry and many others to deliver the Government’s ambitious housebuilding plans.
These are vital long-term commitments which will benefit operators of HGVs, coaches and vans – and will consolidate our sectors within the broader logistics industry and wider economy.
But what about in the shorter term – the next 1-5 years? Haulage firms are closing at record levels and recent ONS figures tell us the picture is still bleak with 36.8% of transport and storage firms saying they are out of cash reserves.
And of course, we have National Insurance increases coming in April which will hit businesses even further.
We applaud the long-term outlook through road building commitments but the Government must relieve pressure on businesses now too.
We will continue dialogue with Ministers and the Treasury in the run up to the Spending Review and the Government’s Infrastructure Strategy.
