'Our roads programme is hopelessly behind schedule'
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iT he trade unions, employers associations and various
motoring organisations in the group recognise the need for an effective balance between roads, rail, air and sea transport so that each can make its proper contribution to a safer, more environmentally friendly and efficient communications network.
In many respects we support the objectives set out in the government's national roads programme which is designed to assist economic growth by reducing transport costs; improve the environment by removing through traffic from unsuitable roads in towns and villages; and enhance road safety.
At a time when Britain's industrial, economic and even cultural future is in the balance, it should be reasonable to expect that there would be little need for any pressure group to press for these objectives. But it's only too clear that the creation of the single European market and the assumptions contained in the Maastricht small print will have enormous repercussions for our country's manufacturing and trading potential.
There are two choices: we press ahead with full speed and commitment to establish the kind of transport infrastructure that will help us compete in the European marketplace or we become a backwater on the western periphery of the trading action. For all the Government's fine phrases and, no doubt, honourable intentions, the prospects are less than pleasing.
One of the main problems is the hypocrisy of the environmental lobby when placed against the national interests. Perhaps this is one of the prime reasons we look to a government of whatever complexion to take the moral high ground on the road to prosperity. Unfortunately political expediency and archaic planning laws allow the most damaging roadblocks to progress.
Despite these dire predictions our roads programme is hopelessly behind schedule and we are no closer to a coherent and integrated national transport system. And even when we pay lip-service to concerns about health, safety and a clean environment, the conditions that our freight transport drivers face every day on sub-standard roads seems conveniently to have been forgotten.
This is particularly true on the route which connects the West Midlands to the east coast ports. This is what we call the missing link to Europe.
In May this year the West Midlands and East Anglian Roads to Prosperity groups organised a top-level meeting to alert the new Secretary of State for Transport to the desperate need for road improvements to boost East Anglia's economic prospects. This region has lagged behind others in terms of business potential simply because of its inadequate roads. It is vital for the West Midlands to have a clear run to the east coast.
If it doesn't move it doesn't work. Government and communities need to understand this. Our survival could depend on it. 51 If you want to sound off about an issue thats bugging you, write to assistant editor (news and features) Murdo Morrison.