RAC: Opportunity knocks for road network upgrades

Friday, 30, May 2008 12:00

The government could use falling traffic on the roads as an opportunity to upgrade the road network, the Royal Automobile Club Foundation (RAC) says.

Its director Stephen Glaister said: "There is no way for the motoring public to assess what their taxes are buying them and this needs to change. The only target developed by government to assess how congestion is changing on the worst parts of our motorway network has not been met, which demonstrates that investing in and planning for new capacity is essential.

"Present high oil prices, which will cause a temporary fall in demand for road space, could allow the government the breathing space to plan improvements to the network. Continued complacency is not an option.

"In the meantime UK motorists are suffering significant price increases for a declining level of service. This is not acceptable and the government must develop and share their plans for action."