The Government has unveiled a new plan for England’s motorways and major A-roads, setting out how almost £25 billion will be invested over the next five years.
The strategy aims to improve safety, cut congestion, and deliver a more reliable experience for drivers, while also preparing the network for a greener and more sustainable future.
At the heart of the strategy is a focus on safety, journey reliability, and smoother travel for road users.
Key priorities include better management of roadworks, improved information for drivers during delays caused by breakdowns or accidents, safer road design, and maintaining road surfaces to a higher standard.
For many drivers, these commitments will sound long overdue.
Motorways and trunk roads carry around a third of all road traffic in England, yet journey satisfaction has been falling in recent years due to long roadworks, congestion, and aging infrastructure.
The Government recognises that these roads are vital “economic arteries” for the country and that investment is essential to support both productivity and quality of life.
You can find out more about the new Road Investment Strategy here.
Building A More Resilient Road Network
The strategy also highlights the need for roads to be resilient and sustainable in the face of climate change.
Plans include upgrading lighting to energy-efficient LEDs, preparing for an all-electric traffic officer fleet, and reducing the environmental footprint of road maintenance. The goal is to make the network not just safer and more reliable, but also cleaner and more environmentally friendly.
Importantly, the Government has also stressed inclusivity. While the focus is on motorways and A-roads, the strategy includes improvements for walking, cycling, and local connections where these routes meet the wider road network.
This means safer crossings, better links for active travel, and a more joined-up approach to how different types of transport interact.
For freight and logistics, there is recognition that better facilities for drivers, easing restrictions on vehicle access, and carefully planning maintenance to reduce disruption will all help keep goods moving efficiently.
Road Safety: Balancing Ambition With Budget
However, the new approach comes with financial constraints. Funding for this next phase of investment has been reduced compared to the previous programme, which raises concerns about whether the scale of improvements will match the scale of the challenges.
Congestion alone is estimated to cost the UK economy tens of billions each year (as fleet owners know all too well), and any reduction in road upgrades risks adding further pressure in the long run.
Still, there are positive signs in the shift towards preventative maintenance. Tackling issues like potholes, worn road markings, and poor surfaces before they become major hazards could deliver meaningful improvements in road safety and driver confidence.
Ultimately, the success of the Government’s plan will be measured not by the promises made on paper, but by the experience of road users in the years ahead. Drivers, businesses, and communities will all be looking for tangible improvements: fewer delays, safer journeys, and a network that feels fit for the future.
Do you think more needs to be done to improve the UK’s road network? And what measures you think need to be considered to ensure the balance is met between financial investment and road safety improvements? Let us know…
