As a result of a lack of certainty over funding, the industry struggled to invest in skilled labour, and instead, focused on short-term solutions that came at a cost. Senior Department for Transport officials have been warned that costs could continue to rise next year if the problems aren’t addressed.

The UK Roads Liaison Group (UKRLG) met this month to be briefed on the difficulties within the industry. Mark Stevens represented The Association of Directors of Environment, Economy, Planning & Transport (ADEPT) and shared findings with those in attendance.

The evidence presented showed that the UK supply chain pressures are proving a problem for the survival of Tier 2 and Tier 3 contractors, and that average material costs have increased in excess of 20% compared to the same period last year.

These factors have led to difficulties for the sector, including increased costs and a lack of competitive pricing, as supply is being driven by product availability and increased lead-in times.

For example, lead-in times for standard concrete products were, at times, beyond four weeks, sometimes jumping to 16 weeks for a specialist product. Haulage shortages also meant lead-in times for timber were beyond 8 weeks.

The news comes after the Government announced a cut to road maintenance in the latest budget. The UKRLG is now asking for an early release of funding from the government to resolve these issues. 

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Prof. Reed will work with National Highways’ board of directors to provide advice on reaching this goal, as well as liaise with stakeholders and partners in order to further build relationships.

National Highways has come under some criticism regarding its responsibility to road users and their safety. Earlier this year, the company’s own barrister stated that National Highways has “no duty of care to motorists”, after a fatality on a smart motorway. 

Safety is at the heart of Prof. Reed’s experience, which includes previous leadership roles in driver behaviour at Transport Research Laboratories and head of mobility R&D at Bosch. He is also part of the University of Surrey’s faculty of visiting staff.

Commenting on his new role, Professor Reed said: “I am delighted and honoured to have been appointed to this new role. Throughout my career, my prime motivation has been to reduce the harm associated with road transport.

“This is an exciting opportunity to work with industry, academia and innovators to support and challenge National Highways in delivering on its ambitious zero harm agenda.”

National Highways chief executive Nick Harris added: “We’re committed to our vision of no one being harmed either travelling along or working on our roads. Being able to call on someone with Nick Reed’s experience will make a real difference in our capability to deliver that promise.”

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A report commissioned by Greater Manchester Combined Authority found that the number of drivers who stopped to let pedestrians cross on side streets increased from four in 10 to seven in 10 when zebra markings were present. 

The two-year study involved substantial consultations and on-street trials, concluding that all road users understood the meaning of zebra markings. If the scheme is successful, hundreds of crossings will be added to residential and low traffic areas of Manchester within the next year.

Commenting on the trial, Andy Burnham said: “In Greater Manchester, we’re determined to shift the focus to become a city-region where walking, cycling and public transport comes first. That includes ensuring that people feel safe walking to school, the shops and work.

“The latest data we have has shown that 55 people in Greater Manchester alone have been killed at side road junctions on minor roads over a three-year period. This is shocking and needs urgent action.”

The highway code states that a driver must give way to a pedestrian who has already started crossing a side road. It is expected that this will be changed to include pedestrians who are waiting to cross on a side road, but zebra crossings could help to reinforce this rule.

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After a nine-year trial, the new lorries were approved by the majority of those involved in the consultation. The vehicles, which can reach over 15 metres long, are thought to be ‘safer, more economical and better for the environment.’

The size of the lorries allows for a larger amount of cargo to be carried per journey. The trial found that they helped to reduce pollutants, lower the total miles of freight journeys and caused fewer road traffic collisions.

LSTs could be introduced as early as next year, pending consideration by the Department for Transport. This means that one in eight freight journeys could be taken off the roads as a result, helping the government to achieve greener roads. 

Of those surveyed, 57% agreed that LSTs were of benefit to the country. Transport secretary, Grant Shapps, spoke of the environmental benefit of the vehicles. He said: “This government is committed to fighting climate change and decarbonising our transport network, and we are working at pace to achieve net-zero by 2050.

“Today’s announcement is a vital step forwards as we work to introduce more environmentally-friendly freight to our roads and build back greener.”

In addition to the potential introduction of LSTs, the government is launching a trial of heavier-than-normal lorries. These vehicles will be capable of carrying heavier goods to rail depots so that they can be transported by train, rather than by road.

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