ORR update on Highways England’s capital planning and asset management – Transport Focus response

02 February 2017

Commenting on the Office of Rail and Road’s interim review of Highways England, Transport Focus chief executive Anthony Smith said:

“Road users will be concerned that planned improvements to England’s motorways and major ‘A’ roads could cost more than the money Highways England has available. They’ll want to know that work to tackle congestion and improve safety will definitely still be delivered.”

“Our research shows that road surface quality is drivers’ highest priority for improvement to England’s motorways and major ‘A’ roads. So road users will be worried that the condition of Highways England’s roads is below the target set by the government. They’ll expect to see a clear plan to get surface quality heading in the right direction.

“This type of assessment, aligned to our road user research, should result in road users getting what they need. Transport Focus is currently researching exactly what road users’ want to see improved when it comes to road surfaces, working closely with Highways England.”