Transport investment plan launched

Transport Secretary Chris Grayling has launched a new strategy to address how local roads will benefit from a multi-billion pound fund.

The Transport investment strategy features the proposed creation of a new major road network, in response to the Rees Jeffreys Road Fund study last year, which would see a share of the annual National Road Fund, funded by VED, given to local authorities to improve or replace the most important A roads under their management. UK VED was £5.8 billion for 2016-17.

The Department for Transport also believes that the scheme will help people get to work or school by better connecting towns and cities, unlock land for new homes, and improve business links.

Grayling said: “Getting transport spending right is crucial for the country’s future. The transport investment strategy sets out a blueprint for how we can harness the power of transport investment to drive balanced economic growth, unlock new housing projects, and support the government’s modern industrial strategy.

“This government is taking the big transport decisions for Britain’s future like HS2 and Heathrow, while delivering the biggest investment in roads and rail for a generation. At the heart of our approach is a plan to make transport work for the people who use it and for the wider economy.”