Motoring towards 2050 - roads and reality

This report examines the current state of play regarding road congestion and looks at realistic policy options and the combination of actions most likely to work. Bearing in mind the projected rising demand for travel, investment in and efficient management of national roads should be a priority but is not. Failure to tackle congestion will render roads even slower and more congested, and will damage the economy, the environment, health, social wellbeing and quality of life. Because road building is not popular with local or central government, suggested alternatives have been flaggedup, including improvement of public transport systems, cost effective investment in the railways, taking advantage of electronic technology to reduce the need for transport, car sharing and travel planning, and the encouragement of walking and cycling. Road building cannot be ruled out completely however, and issues such as sensitive planning and national road pricing are investigated. Also addressed are costs, revenues and affordability; a long-term national roads strategy; its implementation; road pricing and organisation.