Sunak pledges roads boost after HS2 axe

04/10/2023 | CHRIS AMES

Rishi Sunak has pledged scores of new road schemes and to resurface roads across the country, funded from what he said was £36bn saved by cancelling HS2 north of Birmingham.

In his speech at the Conservative Party conference in Manchester, the prime minister confirmed that he was cancelling ‘the rest of the HS2 project’.

He later clarified that it would go all the way to Euston in line with the initial plan, albeit with the scheme removed from HS2 Ltd.

Pledging that ‘every single penny’ of the £36bn saved would be spent on transport projects, he listed a raft of new rail and road projects and the continuation of the £2 cap on bus fares.

However, Mr Sunak gave little detail and it is not clear how many of the schemes would have been taken forward anyway.

He said the Government would:

  • fund the Shipley bypass and the Blyth relief road
  • upgrade the A1, the A2, the A5, the M6
  • ‘connect our Union’ with the A75 boosting links between Scotland and Northern Ireland
  • deliver 70 other road schemes
  • resurface roads across the country

No 10 subsequently announced that money for the North of England would include a new £3.3bn fund for road resurfacing and ‘landmark investments in roads’, while the Midlands would see the development of road schemes to benefit businesses and their employees at Rolls Royce, Toyota, and Magna Park.

Cash spent elsewhere in the country would include ‘ensuring the delivery of road schemes’, No 10 said.

Labour’s shadow transport secretary, Louise Haigh, pointed out that upgrades to the A1, A2, A5 and M6 had previously been announced, but ministers said in March that they would be delayed for up to five years.

AA president Edmund King said the motoring organisation supported the pledge to spend more on roads and looks forward to seeing the full plans and details.

He said: ‘Cars and road transport are vital to how we live and work. Government figures show 58% of trips and 78% of distance travelled are made with cars, with more than 80% of freight being transported by road and indeed the most popular form of public transport, busses, use the roads.

‘All modes of transport are important in the UK with public transport playing a major role particularly in our towns and cities. An efficient road network though is vital for the economy and environment. Congestion costs businesses billions of pounds and is detrimental to air quality and CO2 emissions.’

Away from the roads sector, Mr Sunak said the Government would:

  • ‘protect’ the £12bn to link up Manchester and Liverpool ‘as planned’
  • build the Midlands Rail Hub, connecting 50 stations
  • help Andy Street extend the West Midlands Metro
  • build the Leeds tram,
  • electrify the North Wales main line
  • connect our Union with the A75 boosting links between Scotland and Northern Ireland
  • bring back the Don Valley line
  • upgrade the energy coast line between Carlisle, Workington and Barrow
  • build hundreds of other schemes

Highways InProfile

latest magazine issue
Highways jobs

Director of Transport

£112,924
East Midlands Combined County Authority (EMCCA) is on a bold journey. East Midlands Region
Recruiter: East Midlands Combined County Authority

Highways Network Engineer - WMF2169e

£45,091 - £46,142
This position offers a unique opportunity to make a lasting impact on the resilience and effectiveness of our highway network. Kendal,Penrith or Barrow
Recruiter: Westmorland and Furness Council

Highway Network Technician - WMF2168e

£28,598 - £29,540
This role offers an excellent opportunity to gain experience in a specialised area of highways operations while contributing directly Kendal, Penrith or Barrow
Recruiter: Westmorland and Furness Council

Ferry Host - WMF3049i

£25,584 - £25,992
Ferry Host - WMF3049i Windermere, Cumbria
Recruiter: Westmorland and Furness Council

Director of Streetscene

£94,972 - £108,767
We continue to have big ambitions for our borough Fareham, Hampshire
Recruiter: Fareham Borough Council

Principal Engineer - Urban Traffic Control (UTC)

£44,711 - £49,764
Liverpool is home to vibrant, energetic and engaged communities. Liverpool, Merseyside
Recruiter: Liverpool City Council

Lawyer 2- Planning and Highways

£49,764 - £54,181
We are looking for a fresh thinking and enthusiastic Planning and Highways Lawyer Hereford, Herefordshire
Recruiter: Herefordshire Council

Development Engineer

£35,967 - £41,268 per annum
Are you ready to play a key role in shaping and safeguarding the future of our highways and public spaces? Bexley (City/Town), London (Greater)
Recruiter: London Borough of Bexley

Professional Services Partnering Manager

Grade 13 £47,653 - £51,296 per annum (pay award pending)
We are seeking a dynamic and experienced Professional Services Partnering Manager to lead the strategic management Darley Dale, Matlock
Recruiter: Derbyshire County Council

Technical Supervision Manager

Grade 13 £47,653 - £51,296 per annum (pay award pending)
We are looking for an experienced and driven Technical Supervision Manager to lead our technical supervision teams within the Highways Service. Derbyshire
Recruiter: Derbyshire County Council

Street Lighting Electrician (CDC)

Grade 8, £32,662 - £36,239 (pay award pending)
Highways Operations is a growing service area within the Place directorate. Doncaster, South Yorkshire
Recruiter: City Of Doncaster Council

Highways Assistant Engineer WMF2133e

£39,513 to £40,476
We have an exciting opportunity for the right person to work within the challenging and ever-changing landscape. Penrith, Cumbria
Recruiter: Westmorland and Furness Council

Highways Inspector/NRSWA

£36,345 - £40,344
We are looking for an organised and self-motivated individual to join our Streetworks Team based in Hackney Central. Hackney, London (Greater)
Recruiter: London Borough of Hackney Council

Structures Commissioner

Grade 14 £53,166 - £59,080 per annum (Pay Award Pending)
We are seeking an experienced and strategic leader to join our team as the Structures Commissioner. Derbyshire
Recruiter: Derbyshire County Council

PRINCIPAL TRANSPORT PLANNING OFFICER

£43693 - £46731
We have an exciting opportunity for an experienced professional to join our team in Hull as a Principal Transport Planning Officer. Kingston upon Hull, East Riding of Yorkshire
Recruiter: Hull City Council

HIGHWAYS AND TRAFFIC ENGINEER - 4 POSTS

£43693 - £46731
We have several exciting opportunities for suitably qualified Highways Civil Engineers and Traffic Engineers Wilson Centre, 1st floor, Hull HU1 2AG
Recruiter: Hull City Council

Project Lead - Bridges and Structures WMF3037e

£45,718 to £46,731
We are currently seeking to recruit a Project Lead to join our Bridges and Structures team Kendal, Cumbria
Recruiter: Westmorland and Furness Council
SUBSCRIBE NOW

Latest Video

Subscribe to Highways today to ensure you keep your finger on the pulse of everything happening in the UK road network throughout the year.

SUBSCRIBE NOW