Expressways ‘a move in the right direction’
![Malcolm Bingham Malcolm Bingham](/sites/default/files/styles/large_compact_teaser/public/images/news/fta-malcolm-bingham_0.jpg?h=ced8aaa5&itok=7yI_dOzK)
Freight Transport Association welcomes Highways Agency plans to improve UK roads
‘A MOVE in the right direction’ was the Freight Transport Association’s response to news that a new class of continental-style ‘expressways’ are to be developed as part of the Highways Agency (HA) Road Investment Strategy.
The FTA has said it supports of the development of ‘expressways’ on major A roads and considers them to be a step forward to improve the reliability and safety on some of the major routes across the UK.
Malcolm Bingham (pictured), head of road policy at the FTA, explained: ‘The FTA supports the concept of developing and improving England’s strategic road network. The concept of developing ‘expressways’ on A roads is good news, and has to be a step forward to improve the reliability of and safety on these vital strategic corridors.
‘We have seen significant improvement on the A1 between Peterborough and Doncaster by creating a free-flowing A road around some previously notorious junctions. Routes such at the one to the south-west of England should also benefit from this type of road upgrade.’
The Road Investment Strategy was presented by the Highways Agency ahead of it being transformed on 1 April 2015 into the new private sector roads operator called Highways England.
Ministers say the new government-owned company marks ‘a step change’ in how England’s roads are maintained and managed, and will be responsible for delivering more than £15 billion of investment by 2021.