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Press Release

FSB welcomes Government attempts to speed up motorway traffic

25 January 2006

The Federation of Small Businesses today welcomed the pilot scheme announced by Transport Secretary Alistair Darling, to test new approaches to speed up motorway traffic.

The proposal, using new technology to regulate traffic entering motorways from slip roads with traffic lights depending on traffic flow, will be trialled initially in the North West of England.

However, the FSB also reminded Government that further investment is urgently needed in road transport.

The FSB's National Transport Chair, Steve Collie, said:

"Small firms depend heavily on the road network because most of them trade within fifty miles of their base. Many of our members are very disappointed with the current state of the motorways and the congestion that they experience on them.

"This needs to be a real test; if it is not successful then the Government must have the courage to withdraw it.

"What this proposal does not confront, but which is also very much needed, is the under-investment in our roads. The current crumbling infrastructure is inadequate for the requirements of business. Only 14 pence of each pound raised from drivers is spent on the roads. Investment in our road transport infrastructure is vital to bring it up to the standards set in similar nations."



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Federation of Small Businesses

Federation of Small Businesses

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