The upcoming general election in the United Kingdom has led to the postponement of significant road investment plans.
- Draft of the third road investment strategy (RIS3), detailing government-funded road schemes from 2025-2030, was postponed.
- The Department for Transport plans to finalise these strategies in 2024, dependent on the new government ministers.
- National Highways aims to prioritise road maintenance and carbon reduction, pending final government budget confirmation.
- Previous election delays have affected road investment outcomes, with current plans reduced from an initial £27.4bn to £24bn.
In light of the forthcoming general election, the UK government’s long-term road investment plan has experienced unexpected delays. Originally scheduled for publication in late May, the draft of the third road investment strategy (RIS3), which identifies road schemes to be funded between 2025 and 2030, has been postponed. According to an email from the Department for Transport (DfT), seen by Construction News, this postponement will extend until after the election.
The strategic plan was intended to align with existing government objectives, but its finalisation now awaits the influence and perspectives of incoming ministers. The DfT aims to deliver the finalized RIS in 2024, although its specifics rely on the priorities set by new leadership. Following the publication of the draft RIS3, National Highways will prepare a strategic business plan, which will undergo efficiency review by the Office of Rail and Road (ORR). Consequently, the DfT will finalise the strategy and confirm the budget, setting the stage for investment to begin on 1 April 2025.
National Highways’ initial report from May last year highlighted a shift in focus towards maintaining the existing road infrastructure rather than embarking on new large-scale projects. These plans also include ambitions to reduce carbon emissions and integrate advanced technology into the road network, demonstrating a forward-thinking approach to infrastructure development.
The backdrop of electoral delays impacting transport infrastructure is not unprecedented. The present investment cycle, RIS2, commenced in April 2020; however, it was significantly disrupted due to the 2019 general election. Originally, ministers allocated a budget of £27.4bn, which was later reduced to £24bn in the government’s October 2021 spending review. Further complications were noted by the National Audit Office in 2022, indicating that National Highways was on course to achieve less than planned with increased expenditure.
The continuation of road investment plans hinges on post-election ministerial decisions, reflecting past election-induced disruptions.
