RHA: invest in roads to support tourism ambitions

The Road Haulage Association (RHA) has said that roads and infrastructure projects must receive investment by the government in support of its ambitions to welcome 50 million international visitors each year by 2030 – which would represent a marked increase from the 38 million that came to the UK in 2023.

The RHA says it is campaigning for improved roads and infrastructure to improve journey times and business efficiencies, citing a £30 billion annual cost to the UK economy as a result of congestion.

The association is also calling on ministers to approve the long-awaited Lower Thames Crossing and other infrastructure projects to help drive growth.

Its calls for action follow a recent speech by Sir Chris Bryant, the tourism minister, at the Tourism Alliance Conference, in which he said collaboration with industry would be key to significantly increasing UK visitor numbers and thus boosting economic activity.

Andy Warrender, RHA operations manager for the coach sector, said: “Coaches, vans and trucks are key economic enablers supporting the tourism industry – and the manufacturers, suppliers and retailers who service them.

“Commercial vehicle operators get people and goods to their destinations efficiently, but they are routinely hampered by congested and poorly maintained roads which can make travelling to tourism spots unattractive to visitors – and increase the costs of goods and activities when they get there.

“We support the government’s ambitions to attract more international visitors to boost the economy, so we urge them to prioritise investment in our roads and supporting infrastructure to help make that a reality.”