Committee publication · Correspondence · 24 April 2026 · HC 1284
Letter from the Secretary of State for Transport relating to correspondence from the committee in response to evidence provided by National Highways and subsequent letters, 22 April
Summary
The Secretary of State for Transport responds to the Environmental Audit Committee's concerns about accuracy and transparency in evidence provided by National Highways in September 2025. She acknowledges the concerns fall below expected standards, outlines strengthened environmental requirements in the third Road Investment Strategy including biodiversity KPIs, and describes enhanced contracting standards, internal assurance processes, and oversight mechanisms.
Key findings
- Secretary of State acknowledges National Highways evidence in September 2025 session fell below expected standards of accuracy and transparency
- Third Road Investment Strategy (RIS3) now includes environmental considerations at its heart with a Key Performance Indicator on biodiversity
- Department investigating new conditions for collection and dissemination of environmental information for post-completion highways schemes
- Contracting standards strengthened with improved technical and environmental specifications; NEC4 embedded with stronger early warning and risk management
- Lessons from A14 scheme formally incorporated into updated standards and contract drafting
Tone
ProceduralTopics
environmental-accountabilitytransport-infrastructurebiodiversitywater-pollutionparliamentary-scrutiny
Key actors
Rt Hon Heidi Alexander MP, Toby Perkins MP, National Highways, Simon Lightwood, Environmental Audit Committee
Notable line
“I share your concerns regarding the evidence provided to the Committee during your September session. I expect the highest standards of accuracy and transparency from National Highways leadership when engaging with Parliament and this example clearly falls below expectations.”
Key Quotes
“I share your concerns regarding the evidence provided to the Committee during your September session. I expect the highest standards of accuracy and transparency from National Highways leadership when engaging with Parliament and this example clearly falls below expectations.”
“We have further strengthened the requirements for National Highways environmental delivery by putting environmental considerations at the heart of the third Road Investment Strategy (RIS3), with a Key Performance Indicator (KPI) on biodiversity.”
“Lessons from the A14 scheme have been formally incorporated into updated standards and contract drafting to drive continuous improvement, protecting the taxpayer from similar avoidable expense in the future.”
Source · parliament.uk record ↗