Smart roads, driverless cars and drones could one day become the norm, according to a new report by Highways England.
In its Strategic Road Network Initial Report, published this week, the company says technology will play an increasingly major role in keeping people moving and the country connected.
It also stresses the importance of keeping existing roads properly maintained, and that it does so in a way which minimises disruption to road users and local communities.
Cars of the future could be programmed to spot potholes on motorways and automatically transmit the information to schedule repairs, the report suggests.
It has also outlined plans to use drones to report on incidents, improving response times.
“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.”
Jim O’Sullivan, Highways England
Highways England chief executive, Jim O’Sullivan, said: “We are delivering a record £15bn of government investment to give people safe, efficient and reliable journeys, and provide businesses with the links they need to prosper and grow.
“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 added: “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; and prepare for the future.
The Department for Transport consultation into Highways England’s Initial Report will run until 7 February, 2018.
The results will be used by the DfT to help develop the next Road Investment Strategy which the government is expected to publish in 2019, when details of specific road projects will be outlined.
Main image: Jonathan Mitchell/Dreamstime
