Policy Hub
On 26 November 2004, the National Audit Office (NAO) published a report (Tackling congestion by making better use of England's motorways and trunk roads, Report by the Comptroller and Auditor General, HC 15 2004-2005) which says that the Highways Agency has been too cautious in introducing or testing out measures more readily used abroad and is behind some of its overseas counterparts in adopting technologies to tackle congestion. The Agency has managed its trials of some measures poorly and has not installed the most appropriate technology on the most congested motorways. It also needs to be better prepared for events that cause congestion, including major sporting and entertainment events.
The report recommends that the Agency carry out more trials of congestion-reducing measures at more sites to increase their chances of success, and also improve the design, management and delivery of its trials. The Agency needs to address the lack of appropriate technology in the South East and should also provide motorists with the information they need as they approach motorways, to allow them to consider other routes, as well as on the motorways themselves.
The report can be viewed on the NAO website