TPS has called for more realism in the DfT’s proposals for Roads Investment Strategy 2 (RIS2).

While applauding much of the work that had gone into the preparation of proposals for RIS2, most notably the scale of consultation with users and stakeholders, and the use of Regional Traffic Models, TPS was concerned that the age-old problem of induced traffic was not being fully recognised, that the scope and need for integration with other transport networks was being underplayed, and that the impacts of the network on those living close by were not being given proper attention. TPS also put forward some recommendations on operational matters.

Adding more capacity to the SRN without managing the subsequent growth in induced traffic will inevitably lead to congestion issues returning. Unlocking development sites served by the SRN will also create further demand. TPS recommended that peak period traffic growth occurring for these reasons should be managed by regulating use of the SRN at peak times. TPS also recommended that development sites released in association with  improvements to the SRN should also require provision for access by public transport and active travel.

Most trips on the SRN start or finish on local road networks and TPS felt that the problems associated with traffic growth on local networks due to the SRN were being underplayed, especially as local road networks are not likely to receive the same level of funding for improvement as the SRN. TPS put forward recommendations for reducing the numbers of SRN trips on local roads through “park-and-share” and increased provision of “park-and-ride”. 

The consultation documents state that one fifth of the population lives within 1 mile of the SRN. TPS feels that the impacts on these people in terms of poor air quality, noise, severance, effects on local habitat, and the effects of local traffic on local roads are underestimated and that RIS2 needs to be more robust in terms of its proposals for meeting the needs of people living close to the SRN.

Finally, TPS expressed criticism of the certain aspects of smart motorways and put forward recommendations for better management of incidents on all parts of the SRN, and proposals for better education of SRN users

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