National Highways has been placed under investigation after multiple findings of potential risks in the company were brought to light.
The Office of Rail and Road (ORR), the regulator, opened an investigation into the Government agency after an assessment found issues with its capital portfolio and asset management strategy.
National Highways are responsible for operating, maintaining and upgrading the road network in England which includes all the major motorways going in and out of London.
The agency was renamed in 2021 from Highways England to National Highways and was chosen, in part, to reflect the change in leadership at the company as it brought in a new CEO Nick Harris to replace Jim O'Sullivan.
The agency was renamed in 2021 from Highways England to National Highways
PA
In a letter to National Highways, the regulator stated that since its last annual assessment published in July 2023, the company had delivered well for road users in the year, but highlighted areas that needed work.
Since then, the ORR observed a number of problems in the network where performance in the agency has been underwhelming and some of those risks it flagged had crystallised.
Feras Alshaker, director of planning and performance at the ORR, said: “National Highways has generally delivered well for road users, but in recent months we have become concerned that its performance has dipped in a number of areas and issues are recurring.”
The investigation will look at the potential failings of National Highways' performance and whether it has the right processes in place to deliver its agreed commitments by the end of the road period in March 2025.
The investigation also looks to determine whether the agency can reach its targets set by the Government and if not, what needs to change in order to meet them.
According to the ORR, National Highways is unlikely to meet targets relating to delays, efficiency, roadworks, user satisfaction and safety.
Alshaker added: “We are opening an investigation now to help ORR and National Highways achieve a common understanding of what is causing the current dip in performance, and whether it is still reasonable for us to expect the levels of performance set out in the second road investment strategy.
“We can then put in place any appropriate measures before the end of this road period and set the company up for success in the next, delivering for road users and taxpayers.”
A National Highways spokesperson responded to the investigation by saying that the company’s priority is connecting the country safely and reliably, delivering economic prosperity and a thriving environment.
“We will co-operate fully with ORR as it undertakes its investigation and look forward to receiving its recommendations.”
The investigation is expected to take approximately eight to 12 weeks beginning in February and concluding in April this year.
Signing off the letter, Alshaker said he wanted to emphasise that the ORR has not taken the decision to launch an investigation lightly.
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The investigation is expected to take approximately eight to 12 weeks
PA
He explained: “This investigation will help ORR and National Highways achieve a common understanding of what is causing the current dip in performance, and what can reasonably be achieved in the remaining months of the road period.
“An important part of our investigation will be to understand National Highways’ views. We will arrange an introductory meeting and in-depth meetings on the targeted sample of areas of interest that form the substance of our investigation.”
Steve Gooding, director of the RAC Foundation, added: “Drivers up and down the country will have experienced roadworks on the major routes run by National Highways, and in one sense that’s a good sign: we can all see money is being spent on this vital network which the country relies on.
"However, as motorists get caught up in the disruption these projects inevitably bring, they will want reassurance that the works – whether enhancements or maintenance – are being carried out as quickly and cost-effectively as possible."
