§ 26. Mr. Nigel EvansTo ask the Secretary of State for Transport what assessment he has made of the economic effects of his road programme in the next financial year; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. Kenneth CarlisleThe road programme aims as one of its objectives to assist economic growth by reducing transport costs. The programme of construction meets the needs of industry and other road users through the provision of a modern strategic road network. The benefit which roads generate for the economy is assessed by the use of cost-benefit techniques of economic appraisal.
In his statement to the House on 4 February, the Secretary of State pointed out that the 41 schemes due to start next financial year will bring substantial economic, safety and environmental benefits to road users and the country as a whole. The benefits of these new schemes in terms of accidents avoided and time savings to road users has been assessed at £2.5 billion.