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FTA warns of road go-slow
Page 12
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Changes in transport spending could delay roadworks and solutions to congestion. Guy Sheppard reports.
THE FREIGHT TRANSPORT Association warns that road improvement projects could be downgraded if regional government is given a bigger say in the way transport funds are spent.
The government argues that devolving spending on housing, transport and economic development to the regions will improve long-term planning. But the FTA points out that transport spending would not be ring-fenced under current proposals so money earmarked for roads could easily be diverted into other areas.
FTA regional policy manager Ian Gallagher says even the M5 south of Bristol would probably come under regional control because it is set to become a national route rather than a strategic national route controlled by the Highways Agency. "With no guaranteed levels of funding, transport could easily slip to the bottom of the list of regional priorities," he adds.
"We simply cannot afford to reduce the length of the strategic road network at a time when traffic levels are rising."
Gallagher is also concerned about proposals for congestion charging in Bath following a meeting with Bath and North East Somerset Council (CM17 March): "Congestion charging for Bath is a serious runner but whether it just affects HGVs or other vehicles remains to be seen.
"With no cost-effective realistic alternative routes, driving through Bath will remain the only choice for many drivers. Charging vehicles will not decrease the number of HGVs using this route," he explains.