Announced by Transport Secretary Patrick McLoughlin, the “Action for Roads” command paper is fully funded by June’s spending review and will see the national network of motorways and trunk roads gain extra lanes, smoother, quieter surfaces, improved junctions and new sections in key areas.
In addition, £12bn will be used for road maintenance over the course of the next parliament, with £6bn of this for maintenance and resurfacing 80% of motorways and major A-roads by 2020. The remaining £6bn will be spent on tackling the backlog of maintenance and reduce potholes on local roads which make up the rest of the country’s road network.
In addition, the Government is committing £500m to support the UK ultra-low emission vehicle industry, saying that it is ‘demonstrating its determination to support UK jobs while achieving the twin goals of decarbonising motor vehicles and improving air quality’.
The changes will also see the Highways Agency turned into a publicly owned company with six-year funding certainty for capital projects and maintenance.
The funding and reform will be underpinned by legislation so future governments cannot walk away from these commitments.
Patrick McLoughlin said: ‘Today’s (16 July 2013) changes will bring an end to the short-term thinking that has blighted investment in England’s roads so that we can deliver the infrastructure our economy needs. Backed by the Government’s £28bn commitment, they will give us a road network fit for the 21st century and beyond.’
The Freight Transport Association (FTA) has said that the proposals will offer real opportunities for freight operators.
Karen Dee, FTA director of policy, said: ‘FTA welcomes the proposals put forward in the Roads Command Paper and believes that these will offer good opportunities to deliver a system which means greater accountability for the services provided on our roads, and additionally it should supply greater certainty of funding.
‘Moving forward it is vital to have a method in place which enables the industry to monitor the new company in its meeting performance – in order to create confidence. FTA also recognises that the proposals could deliver enormous benefits to our members and that there is a definite need for a “Champion” for road users who will consider the needs of freight and not just those of the motorist.’
