Funding will not be sufficient to deliver every scheme put forward under the Major Road Network Programme, Roads Minister Justin Madders has warned.
Speaking at Highways UK at Birmingham’s NEC, Madders said the Government would have to prioritise projects as it manages continued pressure on public finances. He said ministers had to be realistic about what could be funded.
“We’re not able to fund all the schemes that were proposed in the Major Road Network Programme,” he told delegates. “Government must be responsible with public money, especially as global instability continues to impact finances at home.
“I’m not in the business of pretending we can afford schemes when the money simply isn’t there to support them.”
Major investment programmes
The Government plans to invest more than £1bn in 44 local road schemes by 2030, with the stated aim of supporting economic growth and connectivity.
For the strategic road network, Madders described the £27bn third Road Investment Strategy, known as RIS3, as one of the largest road investment plans of its kind. The five-year settlement for National Highways is intended to fund renewals, maintenance and selected enhancement projects.
“This year we’re hitting the delivery phase,” Madders said, arguing that the settlement would give the sector greater confidence to plan and deliver work. He also pointed to the potential for jobs, apprenticeships, training and industry partnerships through the National Highways supply chain.
The A66 dualling project and Lower Thames Crossing were among the schemes highlighted by the minister. He said he would steer a Bill through Parliament this week to unlock private investment in the Lower Thames Crossing and create a route to future investment across the wider network.
Madders also promised closer engagement with mayors on strategic road investment and other major-road issues in their areas. Further details are expected in a Government delivery plan later this autumn.
Maintenance accountability
The Government has committed £7.3bn to local authorities for road repairs over the next four years. Madders said the funding should help councils move away from short-term patching towards preventative maintenance.
He said the scale of the funding would need to be matched by transparency. Councils are assessed through the Government’s traffic-light rating system, and authorities have completed annual road-condition reports to unlock the next stage of funding.
According to the latest returns cited by Madders, councils spent £800m more on maintenance this year. Full details are due to be published shortly. Councils previously rated red are receiving peer support, while updated highways infrastructure guidance is being prepared for authorities.
The minister also said he would shortly announce which bridge, tunnel and flyover repairs would receive grants from the Government’s structures fund.
Road safety target
Madders reiterated the Government’s target of reducing deaths and serious injuries on the roads by 65% by 2035. He said implementation was already under way, citing the first meeting of the National Road Safety Board in June and the publication of a consultation response on vehicle safety technologies in July.
A new THINK! campaign focused on speeding is due to launch next week.
“Roads are a priority for this Government,” Madders said. “But we can only make British roads better in partnership with you.”