Britain’s roads are in line for a £1.9 billion boost to improve conditions.
Being able to drive safely in the UK is not only down to the motorists and the roadworthiness of their cars, but also the state of the roads themselves and transport infrastructure in general.
It is therefore good news for motorists whenever attempts are made to improve these areas – and the government is taking steps to bring about such changes over the next year or so. Transport minister Robert Goodwill has announced that more than £1.9 billion of investment will be spent on UK roads in 2014, which is more than twice the amount used in 2013.
This money forms just part of an overall £4.3 billion-worth of investment that is being ploughed into 209 schemes – and it is anticipated that the road programmes alone will boost the economy to the tune of £18.8 billion.
Indeed, not only can car owners look forward to improved travel infrastructure – which will include a high-performance road network able to handle the 43 per cent increase in traffic expected by 2040 – but the move should also prove effective with regard to job creation.
Mr Goodwill explained the £1.9 billion investment next year will help to support more than 9,500 construction jobs and provide a timely boost to the economy at a time when the climate remains somewhat uncertain.
He stated: "Roads are the lifeblood that keeps our economy going – they create jobs and help get products to markets.
"This government is committed to delivering the modern infrastructure we need to compete in the global race, investing across the board to cut congestion and reduce journey times in roads, rail and local transport."
Mr Goodwill noted significant improvements to the UK's major roads and motorways are already clear to see, while the coming year or so will witness a continuation of this momentum.
Action is also likely to be taken sooner rather than later, with more than half of the 209 schemes currently in the pipeline expected to be completed at some point next year, while an even bigger improvement programme is on the cards for 2015.
Posted by Emma Grange