Has Highways England cracked the safety code for the UK's cars of the future?

In a report published today (December 13), Highways England has stated an intelligent network paired with connected vehicles would improve how efficiently roads are maintained.

Outlined in the Strategic Road Network Initial Report, this is said to potentially improve safety - like spotting potholes in the road, and generally improving response times in motors.

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. The report will be used to inform the government’s next road investment strategy which begins in 2020.

Highways England’s 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.

“Because people’s journeys are important to us 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.”

Since being created in 2015, Highways England has completed 18 major road improvements and has a further 15 currently in construction.

Transport secretary, Chris Grayling, added: “This government is making people’s journeys better, faster and safer to give people better access to jobs, schools and their community.

“We are planning to spend more than ever before to upgrade England’s motorways and major A roads from 2020 through to 2025.”

The Department for Transport has also launched its consultation into Highways England’s Initial Report, which is to run until Wednesday, February 7 2018.

The results of it will be used by the department to help develop the next Road Investment Strategy. The government is expected to publish this in 2019.

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