In a vision of the future outlined today the government company
said an intelligent network coupled with connected vehicles would
improve how efficiently roads are maintained and at the same time
improve safety. In another development drones could also be used
to fly overhead and report back on incidents, improving response
times.
In its Strategic Road Network
Initial Report, published today (13 December 2017), the
company says technology will play an increasingly major role in
keeping people moving, and the country connected.
It also stresses the importance of keeping existing roads
properly maintained, and that it does so in a way which minimises
disruption to road users and local communities. The report will
be used to inform the government’s next road investment strategy
which begins in 2020.
Highways England Chief Executive, Jim O’Sullivan, said:
We are delivering a record £15 billion of government investment
to give people safe, efficient and reliable journeys, and
provide businesses with the links they need to prosper and
grow.
Because people’s journeys are important to us we are setting
out our high level aspirations which will help ensure the
network continues to drive economic growth, jobs and
prosperity, and keeps traffic moving today, and into the
future.
We encourage people to read our report and feedback through the
Department for Transport’s consultation, which is also launched
today.
Since it was created in 2015, Highways England has completed 18
major road improvements and has a further 15 currently in
construction.
Transport Secretary said:
This government is making people’s journeys better, faster and
safer to give people better access to jobs, schools and their
community.
We are planning to spend more than ever before to upgrade
England’s motorways and major A roads from 2020 through to
2025.
The Initial Report outlines eight aspirations for the next road
period:
- focus on operations, maintenance and renewals
- build the smart motorway spine of the network
- roll out expressways
- undertake transformational investments
- deliver a balanced programme
- renew focus on small schemes
- deliver through refined designated funds
- prepare for the future
The Department for Transport has also today launched
its consultation into Highways
England’s Initial Report. Their consultation will run until
Wednesday, 7 February 2018.
The results of it will be used by the department to help develop
the next Road Investment Strategy which the government is
expected to publish in 2019. It is then that detail on specific
road projects will be outlined.
