Roads Policy

This section contains overarching policy and strategy items related to the management of the road network in England. 'Managing our Roads', published in July 2003, is the Department's key long-term strategy document for the UK road network, setting out the likely challenges for the next 20-30 years.

Specialist information relating to the maintenance and development of the national and local road networks are available in the Strategic Roads and Local Roads sections respectively.

Public Service Agreement targets for journey time reliability on strategic roads and movement on main roads in city centres are available in the Government targets for congestion (Spending Review 2004) section and includes an updated technical note (5 July 2005).

Managing the accidental obstruction of the railway by road vehicles

Measures to keep vehicles off railway lines following the accident at Great Heck.

Advanced motorway signalling and traffic management feasibility study

A report to the Secretary of State of the study into the feasibility, costs and benefits of extending advanced signalling and traffic management techniques more widely across the motorway network.

Policy on service areas and roadside facilities on motorways and all-purpose trunk roads in England (819 kb)

Circular 01/2008 sets out policy on the provision, standards and signing of roadside facilities on the Strategic Road Network (SRN), including motorway service areas (MSAs), motorway rest areas (MRAs), truckstops, and services and lay-bys on all-purpose trunk roads (APTRs). It also sets out the role of the Highways Agency in relation to such facilities.

Published:

02 April 2008

Intelligent transport systems (ITS) - The policy framework for the roads sector (387 kb)

This Framework sets out the role of Intelligent Transport Systems (ITS) in supporting delivery of Government road transport objectives. It sets out a number of strategic actions that DfT has taken and will take.

Published:

21 November 2005

Managing our roads (Print version) (1 Mb)

A discussion paper contributing to the overall review of the Government's 10 Year Plan for Transport, focusing on the strategic issues we face on the road network.

Published:

21 November 2005

Public local inquiries into road proposals

Explains the arrangements and procedures for inquiries held into road proposals and the way in which they lead to decisions by the Secretary of State.

Published:

21 November 2005

Decision letter: Highways Act 1980 - Section 220

Development at Woodlea Chase, Bentley Street, Rochdale, 9 November 2001.

Published:

21 November 2005

Guidance on the Economic Impact Report: Stage 1 (303 kb)

Published:

21 November 2005

Government Response to Report on Local Roads and Pathways CM 6007 (486 kb)

The Government's response to the Transport Select Committee's conclusions and recommendations relating to the maintenance of local roads, footways, street lighting and bridges, in their Report on Local Roads and Pathways.

Published:

21 November 2005