Government slammed for lack of roads funding

The government has been blasted by the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) over its current spending plans on the strategic road network. It also warned against any further cuts in road spending.

In its annual report on the UK economy, the OECD thinktank criticised the government for keeping road spend levels well below those of the early 1990s under a Conservative administration.

It also warned that the current levels of investment "may be inadequate to correct years of neglect".

The report stated: "Investment in transport infrastructure should be maintained to at least the levels envisaged in current spending plans over the long-term.

"The reasons for any persistent under-shoot relative to plans, should be examined with a view to taking remedial action."

Civil Engineering Contractors Association head of external and public affairs Phil Morgan said: "If spending levels carry on as they are, the condition of the road network will get even worse. In 20 years we might find that the road system won't be able to cope at all."