Source · Select Committees · Transport Committee
Recommendation 12
12
Rejected
Update National Highways' licence to formalise engagement processes with Sub-national Transport Bodies
Recommendation
Sub-national transport bodies were established following the publication of National Highways’ licence, and therefore have no codified role in the RIS setting process. There are good examples of collaborative planning and working between STBs and National Highways, but this is inconsistent. An acknowledgement of STBs in National Strategic road investment 27 Highways’ licence would enable STBs to convey regional priorities more effectively, and help National Highways gain a better understanding of potential risks and mitigations for schemes proposed for the regions. National Highways’ licence should be updated to include a formalised engagement process with STBs, regardless of their statutory status. (Paragraph 62) Reporting and transparency
Government Response Summary
The government notes the recommendation but is not currently planning to review or re-issue National Highways' licence to include a formalised engagement process with STBs. It states that STBs are already engaged through existing licence requirements and joint action plans.
Government Response
Rejected
HM Government
Rejected
The Government notes this recommendation. In developing RIS2, the STBs were engaged as important partners, whose strategies and studies provided robust information on the priorities for each part of the country. The Government recognised the aspirations of these bodies as they progressed in maturity. The National Highways licence already requires National Highways to engage with and take reasonable account of the views of local highway authorities and other relevant stakeholders with a significant stake in the long-term development of the network, of which STBs are part. As shared during the inquiry, National Highways has joint engagement action plans (JEAPs) with each STB to understand their emerging strategies and priorities for the investment on the SRN. These close working relationships continue to evolve as seen through the open and collaborative discussions for the development of RIS3 to ensure the Government understands stakeholder priorities. The Government is not currently planning to review or re-issue the licence, however, at such a time as we do, this is a specific clarification of the existing licence that could be considered.