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Road Transport
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Invest in key infrastructure schemes to drive growth, RHA urges Government
The RHA restates its calls for investment in key road infrastructure projects ahead of the Spending Review after the Government announced more than £15bn for transport projects yesterday (Wednesday 4 June).
This comes after the Chancellor set out plans for passenger transport improvements in mayoral authorities across the Midlands, the North and the West Country.
The RHA says transport investment is vital to spark regional growth but noted a lack of provision for the coach sector and key infrastructure projects in the announcement.
Richard Smith, RHA Managing Director, said:
“We recognise that the Government is committed to improving passenger connectivity and addressing regional imbalances. But it’s disappointing that none of the £15.6bn investment was earmarked for the coach sector which plays a critical role in driving local and national growth.
“Passenger and charging infrastructure for coaches in many areas needs to vastly improve to make coach travel more desirable which would help those economies fully capitalise on their efficiency and sustainability.
“We also need significant investment in road projects to improve journeys for all road users. Congestion costs the UK more than £30bn a year so it’s vital that we have a roads and infrastructure network that balances the commensurate needs of freight and passenger journeys – and indeed supports commercial vehicle decarbonisation.
“Ahead of next week’s Spending Review we urge the Government to commit to the key infrastructure projects that will support the haulage, van and coach sectors help facilitate the Government’s housebuilding programme and wider mission to drive economic growth.”
