Review announced to assess operation of UK motorways

Date: 7/4/2011

The UK's network of motorways and A roads is to be the subject of a review led by the non-executive Chairman of the Highways Agency board.

Alan Cook will head up the group as it examines whether there is any way to make the operation and maintenance of these roads more effective.

The news comes as part of the Department for Transport's spending review settlement, which was designed to ensure that the Highways Agency has a structure that allows it to deliver the best service possible.

Conclusions gathered will then be passed on to the government to provide it with guidance, with the team set to get to work after Easter.

Transport Minister Phillip Hammond said: "The Strategic Road Network is crucial to keeping people, goods and services moving and it is vital that we consider whether we could improve how the network is operated, managed and enhanced."

In last month's Budget, the government pledged to make £30 billion of funding available for new transport projects across the UK over the next four years.

Posted by Mary Treen