Britain’s deteriorating road network is significantly impacting the economy by escalating manufacturing costs and deterring potential investments, according to a latest report by industry group Make UK.
The Make UK report highlights the worsening condition of the country’s roads, particularly A-roads and motorways, as a primary contributor to increased manufacturing costs and challenging business investment decisions. Over half of the manufacturers surveyed observed a decline in the national road network over the past decade, with Yorkshire and The Humber and East Anglia identified as the most affected regions. In these areas, 68% and 67% of businesses respectively reported worsening road conditions.
The deteriorating infrastructure is not only inflating transport costs but also complicating supply chains and making it more difficult for companies to attract and retain staff. Make UK underscored the importance of efficient transport infrastructure for economic growth, particularly for the manufacturing sector, which heavily relies on robust road networks.
Manufacturers have urged the government to prioritise the repair of existing roads, emphasizing the critical necessity to upgrade A-roads and motorways. This appeal comes in light of the government’s recent decision to cut funding for several rail and road projects, as Chancellor Rachel Reeves aims to address a £22 billion financial shortfall. The cancellation of the northern leg of the HS2 rail project has sparked considerable controversy, with almost 60% of manufacturers deeming it a misstep. They contend that such budget cuts send a detrimental message to businesses and potential investors, particularly in regions beyond London.
While acknowledging recent advancements in digital infrastructure, the report called for increased investment in local bus services to facilitate youth employment. Factory bosses maintained that without substantial enhancements to the nation’s physical infrastructure, the UK risks falling behind in global competitiveness.
A spokesperson for the Department for Transport conceded the poor state of local roads and reiterated the government’s commitment to improving the road network. The spokesperson mentioned plans to assist local authorities in fixing up to one million more potholes annually.
The Make UK report presents a compelling case for urgent and significant investments in the country’s road infrastructure to support economic growth and maintain global competitiveness.
