Strategic road network: fleets reveal their priorities

Fleets have prioritised their needs from the strategic road network (motorways and major A-roads managed by National Highways) ahead of the third Road Investment Strategy (RIS3), which will run from 2025 until 2030.

The following is from the discussion at the Fleet200 Strategy Network at CCIA in June.

It was moderated by Fleet200 Strategy Network sponsor BP.

General thoughts
• Reduce maximum speed to 62mph
• Need better information on information signs
• Diversion routes are often unsafe/not suitable for all vehicle types
• Need to focus on investment in the quality of roads – e.g. concrete replacement programme
• Investment required in improving major road arteries – e.g. Dartford Crossing/M62 – (new Lower Thames tunnel to be built)

Road work improvements
• Overnight speed restrictions on motorways lifted
• Smaller length of roadworks to ease congestion
• In-car apps to show lower congestion routes with better options of alternative routes
• Digital warnings on boards to stop drivers joining traffic congestion routes
• Better use of cameras and in-vehicle technology to reduce traffic accidents

EVs and the SRN
• Network of ultra and rapid charging units available through fast charging hubs required for motorway and major A roads
• Better reliable units that work with service agreements in place
• Investment in growth of the EV network of rapid/ultra-charging
• Streamlined EV suppliers as market is saturated with too many providers with multiple cards/apps needed to charge vehicles
• EV cards/Apps that can be used at multiple different operators
• Standardised pricing that’s balanced and capped

Fully connected vehicles
• One solution allowing the purchase of multiple on the road products and services
• Traffic Cams in card
• Route planner showing EV and fuel locations and optimal route planning
• Vehicle service and tyre replacement
• Parking identifier and payment
• Fuel payments
• Toll payments