Opening Address

One of the most important aspects of road construction policy over the last few years has been the bypass programme, which has given relief to three-quarters of the historic towns and villages situated, at present, on the trunk routes. The reviewing of the primary route network is important, and changes to bring the signing up to date are shortly to be announced. In this context, I welcome the initiative taken by both the County Surveyors1 Society and the Eastern Region. I think we ought to go on looking for demonstrations of partnership between central and local government.

It must be emphasised that the aim is to assess the future investment needs in general terms, and that estimates of future investment cannot be linked to a specific future network. On the National Roads front, I think we have a good story to tell without being complacent - in the last two years, we have spent within 1 per cent and 1/2 per cent respectively for the resources available. I want to pay a tribute to all those who have made that possible. We are talking about 34 road schemes under construction, with a works cost of £0.5 billion; and 282 schemes in the forward programme, with a works cost of £3.4 billion, which will add just over a thousand miles to the National Network by the late 1990s. We hope to continue to meet changing traffic demands.