CIHT have reported in their recent newsletter how a new National Road Fund will provide a major investment to include junction improvements, bypasses, introduction of safety measures along the major carriageways and upgraded technology.

BBS were pleased to hear the comments from Transport Secretary Chris Grayling who recently stated: “For decades these major local roads have been underfunded and not properly maintained. We want more of our busiest roads to benefit from guaranteed investment.”

MRN (Major Road Network) is the term used by the Department for Transport to highlight the main local authority A roads and Highways England’s Strategic Road Network in the 12 week consultation they have launched to review how these roads can be upgraded and improved.

These road upgrades will be initiated by the local councils and sub national transport bodies, with many schemes set to benefit in the region of £100m of investment along 8000km of selected A roads.

Many professionals are in favour of this consultation, including the Campaign for Better Transport, The Freight Transport Association and sustainable transport campaigner Bridget Fox stating “This vital funding should support a ‘fix it first’ approach, reducing the £12Bn local road maintenance backlog, improving safety and also funding local packages of transport measures including improvements to public transport, walking and cycling.”