Discussion on Papers 1–4

Mr C.J. HOLLAND, Mr T.J. POWELL and Mr R.M. DUNMORE (Introduction to Paper 2): Table 1 gives a sample of a possible expenditure programme for the 1980s, derived from the programme described in Paper 2. Although the program itself considers only economic factors, any number of policy inputs could be inserted, for example to include schemes which are not economically viable but are considered desirable on social grounds. The fast turn-round enables many different policies to be evaluated. The particular run represented in Table 1 contains a number of minor policy inputs.

Table 1 shows that relatively little of the modelled network merited an increase in capacity: 2100 km of paving of earth-and-gravel roads, and only 400 km of either widening or dualling of paved roads - out of a total network of 40,700 km. In contrast with earlier highway investment plans, the emphasis lies on maintenance and renovation, rather than on the provision of new or upgraded facilities. Of the total program of $2956 million, only $467 million, or 16%, is related to upgrading and improving road capacity. The remainder is assigned to maintenance, with a large element of $2130 million, or over 70% of the total, being assigned to the reconstruction of life-expired paved roads.