Government starts development of third Road Investment Strategy

The Department for Transport (DfT) has started development of the third Road Investment Strategy and is asking for feedback to develop its strategic objectives.

The DfT has released a new document, 'Planning ahead for the Strategic Road Network: Developing the third Road Investment Strategy', outlining the next steps.

The current strategy will expire on March 31, 2025 and the DfT now needs to start work to develop the next one, RIS3, which will cover April 1, 2025 to March 31, 2030.

The DfT said an important first stage in this process is to gather evidence about what people want from the SRN and National Highways so it can develop the strategic objectives for RIS3.

The DfT document says: "We know from the latest research by Transport Focus that users prioritise safer design and upkeep of roads, in particular the quality of road surfaces, alongside better management of roadworks and incidents, including information on unplanned disruptions.

"Beyond these widely shared priorities, different road user groups will have particular needs, which we will also seek to address.

"In addition, people do not interact with the SRN solely as road users; we want also to respond to the priorities of communities and places, to improve quality of life."

The DfT has already idientified six broad objectives, including improving safety for all, improving envrionmental outcomes, network performance, growing the economy, managing and planning the SRN for the future and creating a technology enabled SRN.

The DfT is not starting a formal public consultation on proposals yet, but any questions or suggestions are being welcomed be emailing [email protected].

The Office of Rail and Road will be seeking views from stakeholders, in the autumn, on its proposed approach for advising on the efficiency and deliverability of the draft RIS and Highways England’s draft Business Plan.

Further information can be found www.orr.gov.uk/monitoring-regulation/road/investment-strategy.

Transport Focus carries out research designed to put road users’ interests at the heart of RIS3. Those interested can keep up to date with its work by signing up to its monthly electronic newsletter Transport User Voice www.transportfocus.org.uk/newsletter.