Motorists and business groups are invited to comment on proposed reforms to the Highways Agency. An online consultation was launched yesterday and will remain open for the next seven weeks, closing on 20 December. Results will be reported early next year.

It is proposed that the Agency is turned into a Government owned company, to improve efficiency and reduce running costs. It is claimed that taxpayers will benefit from savings of at least £2.6Bn over the next decade.

Motorists are set to have a greater say in how strategic roads are operated and a new watchdog is to be set up to better reflect the views of drivers.

Consultation on reforming the Agency was set out in the Department for Transport’s ‘Action for Roads’ command paper published in July this year.

Roads Minister Robert Goodwill said: “Transforming the Highways Agency into a Government owned company means long term savings for the taxpayer, and making sure our roads are fit for the 21st Century.

“I also want motorists to have a greater say in how their roads are run and that is why I have proposed an independent watchdog, free from Government, is set up to make sure the Highways Agency is delivering the needs and expectations of motorists.”

To take part in the survey, visit www.surveymonkey.com/s/XL8DKvK 

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