Michèle Dix, CBE and Commissioner at the National Infrastructure Commission (NIC), outlined a clear vision for the future of UK roads by 2050 during her address at the Highways UK event, with a central focus on decarbonisation.
She emphasised that achieving the UK’s climate targets will require a transformation of the road network to accommodate electric fleets and build a national charging infrastructure.
Dix highlighted the NIC’s recommendation for rapid expansion of the charging network, which must grow by 30% annually to support 100% electric vehicle sales by 2030.
“Encouraging the take-up of electric vehicles and charging infrastructure is crucial to decarbonisation,” she said, stressing the importance of keeping pace with demand to reduce emissions from road transport.
Touching on autonomous vehicles, Dix noted that while self-driving technology holds promise, its widespread public use remains uncertain due to high costs.
Dix suggested: “Self-driving cars are more expensive, so we recommend that self-driving vehicles are deployed in the commercial sector before the public sector.”
With 2050 fast approaching, Dix made it clear that a comprehensive strategy is essential for the UK to meet its net-zero targets and maintain a competitive edge in the evolving mobility sector.
