Chancellor George Osborne places focus on road conditions and motorway developments
Chancellor George Osborne places focus on road conditions and motorway developments
On 3rd December, Chancellor George Osborne announced his Autumn Statement, which featured details of a £15billion investment to upgrade and improve the UK’s infrastructure. So what does it all mean for the millions of road users in the country?
Last year’s Budget focused on reducing fuel and road tax and increasing green incentives, while this one focuses on road schemes and innovation. Money will be spent on developing the motorway network and road conditions to increase driver safety and boost trade and growth. The proposals also include the addition of 1300 miles of new lanes in the hope that it reduces traffic time and congestion.
Extra lanes will be added to some of the busiest motorways to coincide with the government’s strategy to develop and manage smart motorways, which use technology to inform drivers of traffic jams and incidents.
Electronic petrol comparison displays will also be introduced on motorways to give motorists a better choice of what service stations have to offer and to increase competition.
Welcoming the news, Transport Minister Robert Goodwill said, ‘For too long drivers have been ripped off by petrol prices on motorways. This government wants to support the hardworking people of Britain and build a fairer society. Today’s announcement will ensure people can see the cheapest places to fill up.’
The Chancellor also revealed that the government is supporting the development of driverless cars with £9million being added to the prize fund for testing. The groups behind the advancement of driverless cars in the UK include Ford, Jaguar Land Rover and the University of Cambridge among others.
Shortly after Mr. Osborne’s statement, Innovate UK announced that four locations had been chosen as testing areas for the cars – London, Bristol, Milton Keynes and Coventry. Testing times will range from 18 to 36 months and will begin early 2015.
