Association Urges Welsh Government To Rethink Road Building Freeze

Logistics UK has said that the Welsh government needs to rethink and reverse its decision to freeze all road-building projects while it reviews the impact on the climate emergency, describing the move as a ‘step back’.

UK Haulier reports that Logistics UK policy manager Chris Yarsley has reminded the Senedd that the logistics sector relies on the road network to ensure that supermarkets are stocked, and materials are supplied to construction projects, and the freeze on new road-building projects is a step backwards for post-pandemic economic recovery.

The Welsh deputy minister for climate change said recently that the country would not meet its statutory net-zero emissions targets by 2050 if it continues to encourage more people to drive, and as a result, the government said it would be moving away from building new roads in favour of maintaining the existing road network.

But Logistics UK said it was vital the Welsh government recognised the importance of effective networks to logistics and it needed to provide support as Wales recovered from the pandemic.

Yarsley said: “Logistics UK supports extra funding for public transport schemes, as outlined in the findings of the South East Wales Transport Commission: private road users should be encouraged to switch to public transport options, where possible, to reduce traffic, emissions and free up existing infrastructure for other road users.”

However, he added that it should not come at the expense of new road infrastructure, and hence was urging the Welsh government to reverse the decision to freeze road-building spending, and to ensure that Welsh businesses and industry can continue trading effectively, and consumers can get the goods and services they need.

If you’re looking for haulage equipment, visit our online store today.