The bottom line: Freight firms bemoan SRN surface quality

08/11/2018 | CHRIS AMES

Only half of logistics and coach operators are satisfied with the strategic road network, according to the road users’ watchdog.

Transport Focus said its latest user research into the network managed by Highways England shows that lorry operators are especially unhappy about road surface quality, the management of disruption and the facilities at service areas.

Chief executive Anthony Smith said: ‘This new research confirms that for delivery companies – who move 91% of the nation’s freight – and for coach operators and their passengers, it’s critical the road network is well-managed in terms of their needs.

‘The costs imposed by poor road surfaces on freight is the issue of most common concern to fleet operators – almost one third of coach and logistics managers surveyed volunteered comments on this problem affecting their bottom line.

‘This is closely followed by poor incident management: Information about delays and disruption provided in real time to road users by Highways England must be improved, particularly where accidents close roads or road works extend journey times, especially at night when so much freight is on the move.’

Mr Smith said that logistics managers also want Highways England to keep the time-critical nature of their operations ‘much more front of mind’ when managing incidents as their drivers must keep to regulations that tightly govern their hours behind the wheel.

Transport Focus reiterated its call for Highways England to consider establishing a ‘modest’ operational unit focused solely on meeting the needs the coach, freight and logistics sectors, led by specialists with a thorough knowledge of the sector and its needs. It said it will use the research findings to press Highways England to place more emphasis on the needs of ‘these crucial road user sectors’.

A Highways England spokesperson said: 'We know how vital the motorways and major A roads in England are to the logistics and coach sector and to the country. While we are exceeding our targets for road maintenance, for keeping as many lanes open to traffic as possible and for clearing incidents within an hour – things which are important to all road users – we are not complacent.

'We continue to work closely with our coach and logistics partners to better understand their needs, so that we can further develop our plans and activities, and we value the insight from the Transport Focus report which will help support this ongoing work.'

Key findings

  • One quarter (26%) of managers were dissatisfied, and only half (52%) were satisfied, with how Highways England’s roads serve their business.
  • Many businesses don’t feel their needs are considered sufficiently well by Highways England, especially in relation to how and when roadworks take place.
  • Managers of coach and logistics operators think poor road surfaces are costing them money by pushing up their operating costs.
  • They also believe their obligations to keep to regulations that govern drivers’ hours and the time-critical nature of their operations are not sufficiently front of mind for Highways England when managing incidents that disrupt traffic.
  • Two fifths of participating organisations say their business is threatened by disruption on the road network because they can rarely extend contingency time. Two-thirds need to arrive within one hour of the time specified in their contractual agreements.
  • Freight and coach businesses want more parking spaces and better vehicle security at roadside services, and for these facilities to offer better value for money.

Highways InProfile

latest magazine issue
Highways jobs

Senior Professional and Technical Officer Level 2

BG11 £37,336 - £39,186
We are looking for a dynamic, technically competent, experienced Technician for this role within the Strategic Highways Maintenance Team. Bristol
Recruiter: Bristol City Council

Senior Professional and Technical Officer Level 1

BG10 £33,024 - £36,648
We are looking for a dynamic and competent person for this role within the Strategic Highways Maintenance Team. Bristol
Recruiter: Bristol City Council

Works Technician

£35,399 plus 15% UHA
The Works Technician is responsible for ensuring that the London Trams civils and off-track infrastructure is maintained. Croydon (City/Town), London (Greater)
Recruiter: Transport for London

Highways Operative x2 - WMF1499e

£27,711 - £28,624
We are looking to recruit Highways Operatives to our Highways Service. Barrow in Furness, Cumbria
Recruiter: Westmorland and Furness Council

Community Infrastructure Manager

£44,711 to £48,710 p.a. plus benefits
The successful applicant will lead and project manage specific infrastructure projects and assist the Climate Change & Natural Environment Manager. Cambridgeshire
Recruiter: East Cambridgeshire District Council

Assistant Service Manager (Vehicle Workshop)

Grade 9 £31,344 - £33,253 per annum
We are looking for a highly motivated Assistant Service Manager. Derbyshire
Recruiter: Derbyshire County Council

HGV/LGV Technician

£28,797 - £30,708 per annum
We are looking for a highly motivated Vehicle Mechanic to join our County Transport team. Derbyshire
Recruiter: Derbyshire County Council

Light Vehicle Technician County Transport – Ambergate Workshops

£28,797 - £30,708 per annum
We are looking for a highly motivated Light Vehicle Technician Derbyshire
Recruiter: Derbyshire County Council

Light Vehicle Technician / MOT Tester

£14.93 - £15.92 per hour
We are looking for a highly motivated Light Vehicle Technician/MOT Tester Derbyshire
Recruiter: Derbyshire County Council

Transportation Officer (Career Grade 8-9) x 2

£34,314 - £40,476
Wakefield is a growing district, with significant housing and employment developments being progressed. Wakefield, West Yorkshire
Recruiter: Wakefield Council

Streetworks Co-ordination Supervisor

£34,314.00 - £37,035.00, Grade 8, 37 hours, Permanent
This post will be responsible for a team of 4 Co-ordinators who manage and permit works on the public highway. Wakefield, West Yorkshire
Recruiter: Wakefield Council

Engineer - Bridges

£34,314 - £44,711.
Some working from within watercourses will be required. Wakefield, West Yorkshire
Recruiter: Wakefield Council

Highway Maintenance Engineer

Band F, SCP 26-31 (£36,124 - £40,476 per annum)
We have an exciting opportunity available within the Highways Service at Sandwell Council based at Oldbury. Sandwell, West Midlands
Recruiter: Sandwell Metropolitan Borough Council

Principal Arboricultural Consultant

£46165 - £54312 per annum + Hybrid Working, Local Gov Pension
Place Services is a multi-disciplinary consultancy within Essex County Council providing environmental and planning services to the Council, local a England, Essex, Chelmsford
Recruiter: Essex County Council

Highways Area Surveyor

£37,938 - £40,476 per annum
Are you a problem solver and enjoy working with a wide variety of people? Warwick, Warwickshire
Recruiter: Warwickshire County Council

Deputy Team Leader - Transport Planning

£51,093 - £55,155 pa
To invest in our borough, we know that we also need to invest in our people. Romford, London (Greater)
Recruiter: Havering London Borough Council

Principal Engineer| Structures and Drainage

£49,764 - £53,887 Per annum
Here at Lancashire County Council, we are helping to make Lancashire the best place to live, work, visit and prosper. Lancashire
Recruiter: Lancashire County Council

Flood Risk Officer

£38,626 to £41,511 per annum
You will be passionate about delivering our Flood Risk Management Strategy Rutland
Recruiter: Rutland County Council

Highways and Streetworks Inspector

£33,366 to £35,235 per annum
You will be working closely with other Highway officers and teams to ensure the network is kept in a safe condition. Rutland
Recruiter: Rutland County Council

Travel Planning Assistant

Grade 6 £27,269 to £30,060 per annum
We have a part time opportunity available as a Travel Planning Assistant to join our Integrated Passenger Transport Team. Durham (County)
Recruiter: Durham County 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