The Local Council Roads Innovation Group (LCRIG) wants the role of local highway teams to be recognised as they continue to operate during the latest lockdown which will be in force until at least the middle of February.

Prime Minister Boris Johnson confirmed a third national lockdown on Monday night with people urged to work from home wherever possible. Government guidance states that construction ‘is essential to keeping the country operating.’

LCRIG President Will Britain said: “Local councils continue to face serious pressures and have really stepped up to the plate during the Covid-19 pandemic. However, as we enter another national lockdown it is important to remember the role of highway teams in keeping the roads moving.

“During the pandemic, the Government has recognised the essential role that the local road network has in keeping Britain moving. But this recognition must now be backed up by further and continued investment in local roads. The financial impact of Covid-19 could see councils across England making budget cuts so this investment is now more important than ever.

“Staff working within local highway departments are quite rightly identified as key workers. Without the hard- working people who dedicate their time and effort to ensuring that roads keep on running, this country would be suffering more than it already is. It is important that the Government remembers the vital role they are playing in
ensuring that the country bounces back.

“At LCRIG we will continue to play our part in encouraging innovation and collaboration amongst local authorities and the supply chain. We will also continue to lobby Government so that the work of local highway teams is
recognised and reflected through funding which will subsequently ensure that road users see improved highway services maintained to a standard that people expect and deserve.”