Source · Select Committees · Environmental Audit Committee
Recommendation 36
36
Paragraph: 202
Public confidence in the regulatory structures currently in force is understandably low.
Conclusion
Public confidence in the regulatory structures currently in force is understandably low. It is vital that the public can trust regulators to ensure that high levels of water quality in rivers are achieved and maintained.
Paragraph Reference:
202
Government Response
Acknowledged
HM Government
Acknowledged
The Department for Transport and National Highways agree that the mitigation of high risk outfalls will support Government objectives to halt species decline. National Highways take a risk based approach to management of highways outfalls which prioritises resources and action towards higher risk outfalls, although risk can never fully be eliminated. By the end of the 2022/23 financial year, National Highways agrees to set out its plans for how these locations could be mitigated by 2030. As referenced in recommendation 35, the Department for Transport is currently developing the 3rd Road Investment Strategy (2025–2030) which provides an opportunity to set out performance requirements and the associated funding required. As this is a future planning round in process it is not possible to make a commitment at this time.