Source · Select Committees · Transport Committee
Recommendation 1
1
Deferred
Paragraph: 11
Contested impact of further Strategic Road Network investment on economic growth
Conclusion
The Strategic Road Network plays an important role in economic growth and productivity. However, the extent to which further investment in the Network would help to boost growth, in comparison to investment in other modes of transport and connectivity, is contested. We intend to look in more detail at how the outcomes of transport investment are prioritised and appraised in our forthcoming inquiry on the Government’s strategic transport objectives.
Government Response Summary
The government noted the committee's recommendation and its intention to conduct a future inquiry, then proceeded to outline its existing decarbonisation strategy for transport and plans for reviewing progress.
Paragraph Reference:
11
Government Response
Deferred
HM Government
Deferred
1 https://www.nao.org.uk/reports/progress-with-the-second-road-investment-strategy/ The Government notes this recommendation. The Government’s approach to decarbonisation is not to stop people travelling, it is about enabling people to do the same things differently and more sustainably while still realising transport’s social and economic benefits. The current trajectory set out in the Carbon Budget Delivery Plan2 (CBDP), published in March 2023, presents a credible pathway to net zero without restricting growth. The CBDP is a dynamic long-term plan for a transition that will take place over the next 15 years, setting the country on course to reach net zero by 2050. The complexity of the net zero system means there is inherent uncertainty in any forecasts. Consumer behaviour, future trends and the future economic context all play a huge role in meeting carbon budgets. The exact mix of proposals and policies needed to get there is variable and will continue to be developed using analysis. As set out in the Transport Decarbonisation Plan3, the Government will continue to adapt and take further action if needed to decarbonise transport – including publishing our progress and reviewing our pathway at least every five years.