REFORM: Big changes afoot at Highways Agency
Widespread changes to the way England’s major roads are managed have moved a step closer after Transport Secretary Patrick McLoughlin approved reforms to the Highways Agency.
In less than twelve months, the Highways Agency will be transformed into a government-owned company tasked with managing and operating England’s motorway and strategic A-road network.
The government have committed more than £24billion to upgrade England’s strategic road network between 2010 and 2021 – part of a £56billion investment in the country’s transport infrastructure.
Mr McLoughlin claimed that changes to the Highways Agency will save the taxpayer £2.6billion over the next ten years.
“The reformed Highways Agency will be more transparent and more accountable, driving down costs as it increases efficiency.”
Patrick McLoughlin MP
The government are also setting up two new bodies to hold the company to account – one to protect the interests of motorists and other road users, and another to oversee the roads network and watch over costs and performance.
These will be created with two expert transport bodies – Passenger Focus and the Office of Rail Regulation – and will provide transparent reports on roads issues.
The Department plan to bring the new company into operation in April 2015.
Mr McLoughlin said: “Our road network is an incredibly important national asset, but it has been neglected.
“This government has committed to the biggest ever investment in our roads but it is vital we have the right foundations in place to make sure this huge amount of money is spent in the most efficient way.
“The reformed Highways Agency will be more transparent and more accountable, driving down costs as it increases efficiency.
“This means taxpayers get a better deal and road users get a network that is fit for the future economic demands of this country, helping to create more jobs and support business growth.”
Alasdair Reisner, Chief Executive of the Civil Engineering Contactors Association, added: “In the past, the roads sector has suffered from boom-and-bust conditions that are hugely damaging to the smooth delivery of projects.
“These reforms will not only make the Highways Agency more efficient, but will also mean greater funding certainty for the construction sector.
“Long-term stability and certainty of investment will give our members and the Highways Agency good visibility in planning their work, whilst providing the supply chain with greater confidence in developing its workforce to meet future demands.”
