SEVERAL major regional road schemes will bite the dust because of the Government’s push to give local authorities the power to prioritise transport plans, reports Contract Journal (Nov 9).

Richard Eastman, a director at the Highways Agency, says that ten of its “targeted programme of improvements” schemes are being scrutinised by regional assemblies.

“They will make a decision on what schemes offer best value for money, as well as regeneration opportunities and how they can help housing growth,” he says. “Some of our schemes might not fit those criteria. However, the ultimate decision on what goes forward lies with the Secretary of State.” Eastman says that the strategic network would not be affected, but admits that councils may choose tram schemes ahead of road-based plans. If the assemblies have not decided by January, the Secretary of State “will make decisions for them”.

The magazine also quotes an unnamed agency source saying that the assemblies are in a “state of total disarray”. The source says: “There are rumours that the regional groups are being headed by politicians, not experts, who are looking for vote-winning priorities rather than the best scheme for their area. This could be bad news for roads.”

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