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The government has set out the first steps in a plan which will change how roads across the UK are built and operated.
In order to increase the quality and efficiency of the national road network, the government will create a 20-year strategy for its development and set the Highways Agency new performance targets.
It comes as a response to an independent review by Alan Cook on the way in which motorways and major A-roads are operated and maintained.
Furthermore, a feasibility study will also be published to analyse innovative ways in which to attract private sector investment in the road network.
Transport secretary Justine Greening, underlined the importance of ensuring steps are taking to improve how major roads in the UK are operated and maintained.
She said: "This paves the way for a more efficient, business like and commercially focussed operator [Highways Agency], which crucially does much more to listen and respond to the needs of road users.
"Together with the terms of reference for the feasibility study, this constitutes an ambitious integrated programme for reforming the road network in both the short and long term."
Author: Public Affairs Correspondent Crispin Williams (cwilliams@acenet.co.uk or 0207 227 894)
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