Highways England has outlined its vision for the future of the roads network. Releasing its Strategic Road Network Initial Report this week, the vision is for an intelligent connected network, with cars able to transmit information to Highways England.
The report will be used to inform the government’s next Road Investment Strategy, expected to publish in 2019.
Cars of the future could be programmed to spot potholes on motorways, automatically transmit this information for repairs to be scheduled. Highways England believe that this will improve how efficiently roads are maintained and improve safety, with technology playing an increasing role in keeping people moving.
The report highlights that existing roads need to be properly maintained in a way which minimises disruption to local communities and road users.
In another development drones could also be used to fly overhead and report back on incidents, improving response times.
Highways England Chief Executive, Jim O’Sullivan, said: “We are delivering a record £15NBn of government investment to give people safe, efficient and reliable journeys, and provide businesses with the links they need to prosper and grow.
“Because people’s journeys are important to us we are setting out our high level aspirations which will help ensure the network continues to drive economic growth, jobs and prosperity, and keeps traffic moving today, and into the future.
“We encourage people to read our report and feedback through the Department for Transport’s consultation, which is also launched today.”
Transport Secretary Chris Grayling said: “This government is making people’s journeys better, faster and safer to give people better access to jobs, schools and their community.
“We are planning to spend more than ever before to upgrade England’s motorways and major A roads from 2020 through to 2025.”
The Initial Report outlines eight aspirations for the next road period:
- focus on operations, maintenance and renewals
- build the smart motorway spine of the network
- roll out expressways
- undertake transformational investments
- deliver a balanced programme
- renew focus on small schemes
- deliver through refined designated funds
- prepare for the future
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