Dip 'wasting' EC funds
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• The European Conimission has accused the Department of Transport of misusing EC roads money.
The Court of Auditors — the EC's financial watchdog — singles out the Sidcup bypass as a project where the EC's contribution (26.3 million) did not increase the budget. The auditors claim that in Britain and some other countries the money goes on roads which suit mainly national interests, when the money is intended to benefit international traffic.
The report complains that a key international project — a link between Holyhead and the UK motorways network — is not being given priority by the Government.
The auditors also criticise the Government for being lax about claiming funds — Britain only put in its claim for the Sidcup bypass two years after it was completed.