Government-owned firm National Highways could play a proactive role in supporting the UK’s growth goals, according to analysis from planning and economic development consultancy Lichfields.
The report, titled ‘The Road Ahead: The Future Role of National Highways in Economic Growth and Housing Delivery’, highlighted how National Highways could align with the Government’s national economic and housing objectives while maintaining its core mission of delivering a safe road network.
With recent changes to the National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF), National Highways has the opportunity to engage in major initiatives like the New Towns Programme and planning for the ‘Modern Economy’, which relies on the effective operation of the Strategic Road Network (SRN).
By partnering with local authorities, developers, and Government bodies, National Highways could facilitate infrastructure investments that support high-growth sectors such as logistics, advanced manufacturing, and renewable energy.
Richard Coburn, senior director at Lichfields, said: “By making its remit more explicitly focused on growth on top of its existing Licence responsibilities, National Highways can adapt to ensure it joins the top-table to be a key enabler of the UK’s economic and place-focused ambitions.
“This approach would allow National Highways to work proactively to accelerate housing delivery and commercial developments, alongside stakeholders across the country, aligned with the government’s ‘Get Britain Moving’ agenda.”
The analysis suggested that a broadened mandate for National Highways would allow it to play a strategic role in enabling growth across the country, supporting the Government’s agenda for regional development.
The organisation has a track record through initiatives like the Growth and Housing Fund, which fast-tracks quality developments dependent on SRN access.
With more regional devolution deals forthcoming, collaboration with local authorities is essential for streamlining planning and supporting new communities and economic hubs.
Coburn added: “By empowering National Highways with a more expansive mandate and organising itself accordingly, the company should become a core growth partner.
“This will put it on par with other major infrastructure bodies to ensure better vision-led transport solutions to support the delivery of well-connected, sustainable New Towns and clusters of modern industries targeted in the Government’s emerging Industrial Strategy.”
