The MRN will see around 8000km of A roads brought together with motorways, with improvements paid for through a new National Roads Fund.

Schemes in line for the cash include bypasses, missing links between existing routes and junction improvements as well as the introduction of technology and safety measures along major carriageways. Road upgrades will be developed by councils and sub national transport bodies.

The Department for Transport has taken forward proposals set out by David Quarmby and Phil Carey almost in their entirety. But there has been a tweak nonetheless.

The DfT appears to be using the term MRN to describe the most important local authority A roads, whereas the Major Roads study used the term MRN to describe both the most important local authority A roads and Highways England's Strategic Road Network.

Transport Secretary Chris Grayling said: “For decades these major local roads have been underfunded and not properly maintained. We want more of our busiest roads to benefit from guaranteed investment.”

Responding to the consultation, the Campaign for Better Transport welcomed the plan to pass on some of the National Roads Fund to local authorities, but claimed that it rewards new road projects over fixing the existing transport network.

Sustainable transport campaigner Bridget Fox said: “This vital funding should support a ‘fix it first’ approach, reducing the £12Bn local road maintenance backlog, improving safety and also funding local packages of transport measures including improvements to public transport, walking and cycling.”

The Freight Transport Association said that any investment in the road network is good news. But it called for the Government to ensure that any projects funded by the scheme are designed for freight as well as car users.

“Any roads classed as part of the Major Road Network must focus on making motor traffic more efficient and be open to all types of motor vehicle without restriction,” commented head of policy Christopher Snelling.
 
Photo: DfT