National Highways Receives Major Funding Boost as UK Government Prioritises Road Safety
Introduction: A New Era for England’s Road Network
National Highways, the government-owned company responsible for operating, maintaining and improving England’s motorways and major A-roads, has secured significant funding commitments that will shape the future of the country’s strategic road network. Transport Secretary Rt Hon Heidi Alexander MP announced a £4.8 billion interim settlement for National Highways for 2025 to 2026, whilst National Highways and English local roads authorities have secured a long-term capital funding settlement of £24bn between 2026-27 and 2029-30. These announcements come at a critical time when road safety improvements and infrastructure investment are paramount to supporting the UK’s economic growth and mobility.
Major Investment in Road Infrastructure
The substantial funding allocation represents a significant commitment to improving England’s road network. This funding increase will allow National Highways and local authorities to invest in significantly improving the long-term condition of England’s road network, delivering faster, safer and more reliable journeys. The multi-year settlement provides the certainty needed for long-term planning and project delivery, enabling National Highways to move beyond short-term fixes to comprehensive infrastructure improvements.
ORR is undertaking an Efficiency Review of National Highways’ plans for the next five-year road period (2026 to 2031), as National Highways will submit its draft business plan for RIS3, which sets out how the company intends to operate, maintain and improve the strategic road network. This scrutiny ensures taxpayer money is used effectively whilst maximising benefits for road users.
New National Road Safety Strategy
In parallel with funding announcements, the government has launched an ambitious road safety initiative. The Government has released the first national road safety strategy, with a long-term plan to reduce deaths and serious injuries on Britain’s roads by 65% by 2035. Among the key proposals are plans to create a minimum learning period for learner drivers of 3 or 6 months, eye tests for those over 70 and potential cognitive testing, and lowering the alcohol limit for driving.
Conclusion: Building a Safer, More Resilient Network
These developments mark a turning point for National Highways and the UK’s road infrastructure. The combination of substantial long-term funding and comprehensive safety reforms demonstrates the government’s commitment to creating a transport network fit for the future. For motorists, these investments promise improved road conditions, reduced congestion and enhanced safety measures that could prevent thousands of casualties over the coming decade. As National Highways embarks on this ambitious programme, the focus will be on delivering tangible improvements that benefit all road users whilst providing value for taxpayers.