RHA submits Spending Review response highlighting the critical role of the road transport sector in boosting economic growth

The Spending Review is a crucial process for defining the Government’s spending limits for the next five years, and the current review is the first since 2021. The RHA’s submission underscores how growth cannot be achieved without a strong and resilient road transport sector.

As a sector that contributes £13.5 billion annually and accounts for 5.6% of GDP, the road transport industry (HGVs, LGVs and Coaches) is essential to the UK’s future economic success, and continued investment is needed in infrastructure, facilities, skills, and on the transition to Net Zero to keep pace and keep the supply chain fluid.

With the Government reviewing its spending, the RHA is urging them to prioritise businesses across the sector as critical drivers of growth.

Since 2010, employment in road transport and storage has grown by 26%, far outpacing the 14% growth across the wider economy. This submission highlights how investment in infrastructure, skills, and facilities is crucial to maintaining and building on this contribution in the years ahead.

RHA Managing Director, Richard Smith said:

“Our submission to H.M. Treasury makes it clear that a thriving road transport sector is crucial to the UK’s economic success.

“We’ve clearly highlighted key areas for investment and we’re calling on the Government to prioritise investment in key infrastructure projects, roadside facilities, skills development and on net zero to future-proof our vital sector and ensure that we can play our part in delivering the growth the nation needs.”

We've set out a series of key areas for priority investment:

Infrastructure

We’re urging the Government to prioritise investment in road infrastructure through the upcoming Road Investment Strategy 3. This is essential to reducing congestion, improving productivity, and futureproofing the economy. Local roads need investment too, with potholes currently costing the economy £14 billion annually.

Roadside Facilities

There’s an urgent need for continued investment in roadside facilities for HGV drivers, particularly in areas of high lorry parking demand and high freight crime rates. HGV parking facilities should be recognised as essential transport infrastructure to ensure the smooth operation of the supply chain and to support the welfare of drivers.

Skills

There’s a need to invest in workforce skills to boost productivity. Shorter courses and bootcamps for HGV drivers and longer training programmes for technicians, such as apprenticeships, are vital to ensuring there’s a strong, capable workforce for the future.

Net Zero

There are significant opportunities for growth within our sector with Net Zero. However, the decarbonisation journey will require significant investment and support for businesses to adapt to the changes. We want Government to prioritise measures that reduce the costs of decarbonisation.

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