New roads policy call

The British Roads Federation has called on the government to set a new agenda for roads policy.

Launched at the Federation's Annual General Meeting, the BRF's report Towards a Modern Roads Policy: Priorities for the new Government proposes an 18 month programme of works aimed at tackling what it sees as Britain's most urgent transport needs.

BRF director Richard Diment said: "Increasing frustration about the poor level of service provided by Britain's transport system must make it a key issue for the new Government.

"If real progress is to be made, all those involved must be prepared to be more flexible and to seek realistic compromises.

"The BRF is committed to the development of a new approach to roads policy, one that fully acknowledges the need to promote public transport, cycling and walking but that recognises the important and social role that a high quality road network plays in economic development, improving the environment and reducing congestion."

As part of this new approach, the report stresses the need to give the maintenance and management of the road network priority within the existing budget allocation.

The Federation's proposals place the immediate focus on:

l improved road maintenance;

linvestment in the bridge strengthening programme;

lenvironmental improvements to the existing road network;

l construction of key bypass schemes; and

l a move towards whole-route strategies.

Looking to the longer term, the document highlights the environmental and financial challenges facing the new Government.

The report emphasises the need to secure new sources of revenue for major construction projects.

Diment welcomed the possibilities offered by the new Government's Public Private Partnerships initiative and commented that "combined with a fresh approach to road policy in general, the Federation believes that increased private finance opportunities must help to deliver the new and improved infrastructure the UK demands".