The gross investment in the UK freight transport by road sector has shown significant fluctuations over the past decade. Between 2013 and 2016, the sector experienced steady growth, peaking at £2.52 billion in 2016. However, 2017 saw a decrease of 21.28%, followed by a stagnation period until a noticeable recovery in 2019, with a peak investment reaching £2.58 billion. The COVID-19 pandemic in 2020 led to a 20.13% drop, but the sector rebounded in subsequent years, achieving a value of £2.67 billion in 2023, representing a modest 2.34% increase year-on-year, and a 6.62% CAGR over the past five years.
Looking ahead, the forecast suggests a steady annual growth rate of 1.79%, with the sector expected to reach £2.99 billion by 2028. Key trends to watch include the impact of technological advancements such as autonomous vehicles and digitalization, regulatory changes regarding emissions and sustainability, and the ongoing effects of global supply chain reconfigurations post-pandemic.
