The UK government has set out its priorities for the strategic road network (SRN) in England from 2026 to 2031, in its third road investment strategy (RIS3).
Priorities determined through Transport Focus research include:
- Better management of roadworks.
- Better management of unplanned delays such as collisions and breakdowns.
- Better information about that unplanned disruption.
- Improved road surfaces.
- Safer design and regular upkeep of the network.
- More reliable, shorter, journey times.
National Highways will work to ensure the diverse needs of all road users are met, including pedestrians and cyclists, particularly where the SRN interacts with cycleways, footways, bridleways and local roads.
Following the publication of a draft strategy, transport secretary Heidi Alexander explained, “The third road investment strategy will form a core component of the Government’s new 10-year Infrastructure Strategy, which sets out a long-term vision for nationally significant infrastructure that supports sustainable growth, connectivity, and resilience.
“Within this framework, published in June 2025, the government expects National Highways to play a central role; not only as the operator of the strategic road network, but as a key delivery partner contributing to broader national objectives.”
She added, “It is essential that the road sector plays its part in the goal of decarbonising the economy as well as being resilient to the effects of a changing climate.”
You can read the full draft strategy here.
Contract hire and fleet management specialists
We at Marshall Leasing are interested in the latest news affecting motorists and fleet managers, and we trust you find this information interesting.
If you would like to find out more about how you could benefit from our all-inclusive fleet management offering, please get in touch with our team of experts by emailing info@marshall-leasing.co.uk or calling 01480 414541. We will be delighted to assist.