This morning Lillian Greenwood MP, Minister for the Future of Roads, for the Department for Transport has highlighted the pressing need for long-term investment in the UK’s road infrastructure at the Highways UK event in Birmingham.
Introducing the Highways Sector Council’s “Ways of Life” campaign, the minister emphasised how essential to British roads are to its economy and daily life, but made warning of the significant financial commitments needed to maintain and modernise the network.
Greenwood called the strategic road network the “backbone of Britain.”
However, she acknowledged the substantial carbon footprint of road transport that could underscore the importance of innovative, sustainable road design.
The government’s Third Road Investment Strategy (RIS3) is set to outline a multi-year approach to ensure long-term stability, safety, and environmental responsibility.
Greenwood assured that while the government is committed to investing, it must balance priorities with fiscal constraints.
“We can’t afford to make all the investments we’d like to immediately,” she noted, with more clarity expected after the government’s budget review.
She reiterated the need for sustained funding, particularly for essential maintenance like fixing potholes, as well as for future-proofing infrastructure to meet growing demands.
“We want to rebuild Britain with the modern transport infrastructure that the public deserves,” Greenwood affirmed, stressing that investment is key the government’s vision.
