Government plan to roll out road schemes hit by delays

The government's drive towards rolling out a swathe of major road schemes seems to have lost momentum with the discovery that two multi-modal studies are already falling well behind schedule.

According to an insider to the studies, one of the schemes is almost definitely for the M25. The second one, which remains nameless, is also believed to be in the South.

"There has been some slippage," said the source, "one of these is the M25, which is proving to be a big headache for government."

The Highways Agency would only confirm that three schemes, the A66, A47 and Handcross, have already reached a ministerial decision, while 10 are now back at Whitehall - 10 are due back by autumn 2003.

However, the spokesman did admit that two still had to be let, but declined to name them.

News of the delay could spell a drought of work for contractors who have pinned their hopes on a strong supply of work coming from the studies.

The Association of Consulting Engineers echoed the concerns by stating that it would be putting together views of its memberships in time for the House of Common's transport committee inquiry into multi-modal studies later this year.

Some of the issues raised are: the studies' value for money; effectiveness on regeneration; how can the process be improved; and are the studies realistic.