Source · Select Committees · Transport Committee
Recommendation 3
3
Acknowledged
Paragraph: 20
Debate needed on introducing car usage reduction targets for traffic management
Conclusion
In our recent report on Implementation of the National Bus Strategy we recommended that a debate needs to be had about whether the Department for Transport should introduce a target to reduce car usage in England by the end of the decade, such as those seen in Scotland and Wales. Understanding the impact of reducing or maintaining traffic on the SRN would inform this debate.
Government Response Summary
The government stated it agrees with the recommendation that a debate is needed on introducing a car usage reduction target for England. However, the response then outlined existing investment in strategic road network maintenance and upgrades, without specifying how the debate would be facilitated or a target considered.
Paragraph Reference:
20
Government Response
Acknowledged
HM Government
Acknowledged
The Government agrees with this recommendation. Between 2020 and 2025, almost half of the investment in strategic roads, though often described as roadbuilding, is in fact for renewing, maintaining and operating the existing network or for funds to retrofit the existing network to improve safety, enhance the natural environment, and tackle noise or pollution. In addition, many new projects support other objectives, such as improving safety, and include work to maintain, renew and improve the resilience of existing assets, often addressing enduring legacy issues of poor network performance. With much of the SRN built in the 1960s and 1970s, many structures and road surfaces on the network are reaching the end of their serviceable life, and so maintenance and renewals to keep the network in a safe and serviceable condition and minimise the need for more structural, intrusive repairs, are likely to be a growing and essential element of the roads programme. The Government recognises that failure to invest in a well-maintained road network will result in lost time, lower productivity, and higher costs for road users and those that rely on the network. It will also reduce the quality of life and increase intrusion for those neighbouring the network. Ensuring infrastructure remains fit for purpose and adapts to the country’s changing needs remains vital for society and the economy to flourish, delivering the next generation of manufacturing, construction and logistics jobs for British workers in every corner of the country. Decisions on the future balance of spending on the SRN are made as part of the statutory process to develop Road Investment Strategies (RISs). The Government is currently developing its investment priorities for RIS3 (2025–30). More details will be set out in the draft RIS3 later in 2023.