The Transport Select Committee has called for a five-year fund to undertake pothole repairs. A front-loaded, five-year funding settlement is the only way local authorities will be able to address a deteriorating local roads network and plan ahead, says the Transport Committee.

Reacting to the news Christopher Snelling, Head of UK Policy at FTA, commented: “As the business organisation representing the logistics sector, FTA fully supports the Transport Select Committee’s calls for a five-year pothole repair fund; the road network has been subject to chronic underinvestment for many years. Taxes on UK road transport are the highest in Europe, yet our roads continue to be underfunded; HGVs alone pay enough tax to pay for more than 90 per cent of the current amount spent on road maintenance in the UK. Large potholes are an all too common sight – costing businesses in the logistics industry millions of pounds a year in vehicle repair and hire replacement. Potholes are dangerous to cyclists as well as damaging to vehicles; it is ridiculous that we still have this problem in today’s Britain.

“While this funding would play a vital role in improving the nation’s road network, it would not offer a complete solution; estimates show it would cost£9.79 billion and take ten years for highways departments in England and Wales to catch up on the road repairs needed*. This investment must be viewed as part of a more comprehensive, long-term road improvement strategy.”

Efficient logistics is vital to keep Britain trading, directly having an impact on more than seven million people employed in the making, selling and moving of goods.  With Brexit, new technology and other disruptive forces driving change in the way goods move across borders and through the supply chain, logistics has never been more important to UK plc. A champion and challenger, FTA speaks to Government with one voice on behalf of the whole sector, with members from the road, rail, sea and air industries, as well as the buyers of freight services such as retailers and manufacturers.

Freight Transport Association

About the Author: John Loughran