Transport investment strategy will see local roads get £1Bn upgrade

The Transport Secretary Chris Grayling has unveiled the government’s new transport investment strategy that will see around £1Bn given to councils to improve the local road network.

The plans will see main roads currently overseen by local authorities get to share the VED-funded National Roads Fund, which was previously envisaged by former Chancellor George Osborne to be ring-fenced for national routes.

The UK VED totalled £5.8Bn in 2016-17 financial year.

The plans aim to improve productivity and connectivity of towns and cities across the country – tackling bottlenecks and traffic jams for road users, and putting an end to the sight of lorries and through-traffic using rural villages’ main roads.

The government say the scheme will also improve connectivity for people travelling to schools and work. It is envisaged new housing developments will be unlocked and local economies strengthened by the move.

The strategy is a deliberate attempt by the government to spread investment across the UK and move away from the impression of investment in infrastructure being too London-centric.

Priority will be given to schemes that demonstrate “proven solutions” that allow passengers and drivers get reap the benefits more quickly.

Transport Secretary Chris Grayling said: “Getting transport spending right is crucial for the country’s future.

“The transport investment strategy sets out a blueprint for how we can harness the power of transport investment to drive balanced economic growth, unlock new housing projects, and support the government’s modern industrial strategy.

“This government is taking the big transport decisions for Britain’s future like HS2 and Heathrow, while delivering the biggest investment in roads and rail for a generation.

“At the heart of our approach is a plan to make transport work for the people who use it and for the wider economy.”

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