Highways England operates, maintains and improves England’s strategic road network (SRN) – the country’s motorways and major A roads.
For the first time, Highways England has made a public commitment to publish a strategic economic growth plan for maximising the economic contribution of the SRN.
Drawing on extensive stakeholder engagement, this discussion document presents an outline of our research findings and sets out our proposed approach to supporting growth.
Based on our research, we have identified four strategic economic roles for Highways England and the strategic road network:
We already do a lot to support growth in these areas, and our strategic plan will build on this. Our emerging approach will be rooted in partnership and we will confirm our priority actions in our full plan next year. Areas which we are exploring include:
We would welcome your feedback on the discussion points in the online survey.
‘Supporting the economy’ is one of Highways England’s five strategic objectives. We already make a significant contribution to the UK’s economy, through our investments, our operations, and our role as statutory consultee in the planning system. But we are determined to contribute even more by taking a bolder and more direct role in supporting economic growth and prosperity.
The SRN is part of an integrated transport system, so we will make the most of our economic enabling role by working with other transport operators in the planning and delivery of infrastructure projects. For example, in October 2016, Highways England and HS2 Ltd signed a Memorandum of Understanding committing both organisations to work together in a supportive and collaborative manner in the design and delivery a high speed rail network.
Based on a detailed programme of evidence gathering, research and stakeholder engagement, The Road to Growth will:
The Road to Growth will be a long-term proposition looking as far as 2050. It will respond to the current and future strategic transport needs of our business customers, as well as considering the interests of our stakeholders.
In developing The Road to Growth, we aim to:
This paper presents an outline of our research findings and sets out our interpretation, and our proposed approach to supporting growth.
We want your feedback on the six discussion points set out in the survey. The deadline for submitting your responses is 20 January 2017. Your feedback will be taken into consideration before we publish our full plan in 2017. Please read the discussion paper and use the link below to submit your responses.
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