The government has formally introduced legislation intended to bring private investment into the roads programme.
Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander introduced the Highways (Financing) Bill to Parliament on 17 September 2026. The legislation was promised in the King’s Speech.
Proposed regulatory role
The Bill designates the Office of Rail and Road (ORR) as the independent regulator for licence holders. Its proposed responsibilities would include overseeing licence holders, monitoring their performance and regulating toll charges.
The legislation also sets out legal arrangements for the collection and enforcement of tolls under the licences.