Watts unveils just œ6.5m of road work

Road minister John Watts has announced 33 more schemes to improve the trunk road network and benefit local communities - but the schemes total just œ6.5 million of work.

And it seems the industry will have to become used to such small awards because they are in line with current Department of Transport thinking.

The DoT says the schemes are part of a total package worth œ108 million and reflect the 'new focus on the management of the roads network towards projects which will ease congestion and remove accident trouble spots.'

In announcing the schemes, Watts said: 'The Secretary of State indicated in December our intention to make the best use of the roads we already have. These schemes will demonstrate what can be achieved by focusing our spending to show real benefits to road users and local people.'

The schemes include safety fencing in Dorset and junction widening in Merseyside.