Improved road networks are essential going forward.
Nothing quite compares to the thrill of driving away in a new car, with getting to know the ins and outs of the motor being one of the best experiences for drivers. However, this excitement can soon switch to frustration if you turn into a long line of traffic or have to make your way across a pothole-strewn surface.
That is why it is so important that road networks in the UK continue to improve – and why new car drivers are pleased to hear that the Treasury is set to invest more than £28 billion between 2014 and 2020 in order to maintain and enhance both national and local roads.
There are fears that any failure to realise these ambitions could result in those behind the wheel being constantly stuck in traffic as they wait on road repairs and maintenance over the next few decades.
To prevent this from occurring, chief secretary to the Treasury Danny Alexander said the Conservative-Liberal Democrat coalition has pledged £10 billion to go towards making sure any problems with surfaces that currently exist are fixed between 2015-16 and 2020-21. What's more, £6 billion of this money will be used by local authorities as they attempt to fill around 19 million potholes a year.
Geoff Dunning, chief executive of the Road Haulage Association, said the organisation is pleased to hear of the extra money being spent to ensure UK road networks continue to function as they should be doing.
He stated: "The past couple of years have seen many road users faced with appalling driving conditions as a result of extreme weather.
"The knock-on effects, coupled with under-investment in maintenance over many years, have seen many side roads, in particular those leading to industrial sites and other areas, left in a condition that can be both dangerous and damaging to vehicles.
"It is vital that these improvements start now – waiting until next year for this work to start is not an option."
The Highways Agency is set for a number of major projects in the weeks, months and years to come, including the addition of two lanes to the busiest motorways in the UK.
This move will result in drivers being able to make use of an extra 221 lane miles, while also serving to reduce congestion in some of the sections of motorway where this is a particular problem – such as the A14 stretch between Huntingdon and Cambridge that is set for a £1.5 billion update.
In addition to this, there are many other road improvements in the pipeline. These include works on the following roads:
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The A63 in Hull
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The A19 between Newcastle and South Shields
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The Derby Junction of the A38
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The junctions of the M5 between Bromsgrove and Worcester
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The M1 junction, situated close to Long Eaton and south of Rugby
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The Gatwick junctions on the M4
Once the planned works are completed, new car drivers should be able to hit the road without being caught in long traffic queues and give their motor the first drive it deserves.
Posted by Fred Mason