The Road Surface Treatments Association (RSTA) has welcomed the publication of the Rees Jeffrey’s Report ‘A Major Road Network for England’.
The report calls for the recognition of an 8,000-mile Major Road Network that includes the 4,200 miles of the strategic road network (SRN) of motorways and trunk roads run by Highways England, and a further 3,800 miles of strategic local authority-controlled A roads.
The report appeals that both MRN and SRN should get equal recognition, despite the government already committing to a £15 billion five year plan of investment in the SRN.
RSTA chief executive, Dr Howard Robinson (pictured), stated: “Central government seems to be unable to understand that the local road network is the essential link to the strategic road network. The establishment of a properly programmed and funded major road network is the join-up approach that our road network needs.”
Robinson welcomed the calls for funding from the National Road Fund to be made available to both strategic roads and local roads from the National Road Fund, in addition to bigger partnerships forming between Highways England and local authorities.
“A well-maintained national and regional road network that has a committed programme of investment is essential for the country’s economic and social well-being. The report from Rees Jeffreys offers a cohesive alternative to the mismatched funding between the SRN and strategically important A roads.”
