Local authorities
will be given greater control over how their roads appear on maps
and satnav systems - helping them to better direct traffic - under
bureaucracy-cutting proposals set out today by Local and Regional
Transport Minister Norman Baker.
At present, if a council wants to change the classification of
one of its roads - for example downgrading an A road to a B road -
it has to be approved by the Department for Transport.
The Government proposes devolving decision making to councils as
they are best-placed to decide the classification of local roads.
This would help them make clear to drivers which roads are most
suitable for through-journeys, potentially reducing congestion on
local routes.
Norman Baker said:
"The current system dates back to the 1960s and is a
hangover from the days of Whitehall-knows-best. I believe in
giving power to local people. This reform will cut red tape and
mean councils can better control traffic in their area.
"They can ensure A roads are placed where they want
traffic to run, and can lower the category of road in places they
want traffic to avoid. By making it less onerous for councils to
ensure road classification better reflects conditions on the
ground, journeys will be easier to navigate.
"We are also using this as an opportunity to invite new
ideas of tackling some of the problems caused by satnavs, for
example lorries being directed down unsuitable roads. We want to
hear suggestions as to how the current system could be improved -
and how councils could better work with satnav companies."
Under the new system, councils will have control over road
classification decisions in their area - including which roads
should be used as primary routes - with no requirement to get
approval from the DfT. The Department will only deal with
contentious cases where there are serious disagreements about a
council's decision.
Local authorities will be required to send a formal record of any
changes to its road network to DfT but reporting will be
streamlined - with the current eight forms replaced with one.
As part of the move to open up Government, for the first time
policy about the road network and classification will be made
available to the public. This will help motorists and communities
to hold central and local government to account for their decisions.
This will also include our policies on detrunking and trunking -
the process by which a local authority takes over a road from the
Highways Agency (or vice versa). This will help explain why some
roads are run nationally, and where they could be run locally.
The consultation, published today on the DfT website, will be
open until May.
Notes to Editors
1. At present, the Department for Transport must approve all
changes to roads classification (whether a road is an A road, a B
road, a minor road or an unclassified road) and all changes to the
Primary Route Network (major A roads that are coloured green on
most maps). 2. Under the new approach, local authorities would
have responsibility for road classification in their area. 3. The
Department would maintain a list of 'primary
destinations', but local authorities would decide by
which routes they are best connected, working together where
necessary. 4. The Department would remain responsible for the
Strategic Road Network (motorways and major A-roads operated by
the Highways Agency) in England. 5. The consultation can be found
at: http://www.dft.gov.uk/consultations/open/2011-02/. 6. Roads
classification and the Primary Route Network are a devolved matter
in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland. 7. The consultation also
invites suggestions on how local and central Government can better
co-ordinate with satnav companies. Press Enquiries: 020 7944
3066Out of Hours: 020 7944 4292Public Enquiries: 0300 330
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Contacts:
DfT Press Office - Roads
Phone: DfT Press Office 020 7944 3066
nds.dft@coi.gsi.gov.uk