Invest in roads to attract more international visitors and boost economy, RHA urges Government

  |   Road Transport   |   Invest in roads to attract more international visitors and boost economy, RHA urges Government

09:00 Fri 29th Nov 2024 | Posted By UKHAULIER

36 mins ago

The RHA has said the Government must invest in roads and infrastructure projects to support its ambitions to welcome 50 million international visitors per year by 2030. Tourism Minister, Sir Chris Bryant MP unveiled the Government's vision in a speech at the Tourism Alliance Conference where he said collaboration withindustry would be key to significantly increase visitors to boost the economy. The RHA is campaigning for improved roads and infrastructure to improve journey times and business efficiencies with congestion costing the UK economy GBP30bn per year.

They're calling on ministers to give the green light to the long-awaited Lower Thames Crossing and other infrastructure projects to drive growth. Andy Warrender, RHA Operations Manager, 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."

The UK welcomed 38 million visitors last year.

More on RHA's vision to support the Government's plans to drive economic growth - Mission Driven: a blueprint for delivery.