DfT consults on Highways Agency reform

The Department for Transport (DfT) is currently consulting on plans to turn the Highways Agency into a government-owned company.

The organisation is currently an executive agency of the DfT – and under the proposed changes, would remain fully accountable to the transport secretary and Parliament. But the government claims the shift in structure would improve efficiency and reduce the taxpayer’s burden to the tune of at least £2.6 billion over ten years.

New roads minister Robert Goodwill said: “This government has committed to the biggest ever investment in our road network worth £50 billion over the next 15 years, but we need to make sure it is spent wisely. Efficiency savings are there to be made, but to secure these means changing how our motorways and trunk roads are managed and maintained.

“Transforming the Highways Agency into a government-owned company means long-term savings for the taxpayer, and making sure our roads are fit for the 21st century – supporting jobs and growth across the economy.

 “I also want motorists to have a greater say in how their roads are run and that is why I have proposed an independent watchdog – free from government – is set up to make sure the Highways Agency is delivering the wants, needs and expectations of motorists.”

Preempting inevitable criticisms that the move is simply a prelude to a wholesale transfer of the agency to the private sector, the government insists in its consultation that: “This is not privatisation. The company will remain within the public sector, and we will use forthcoming legislation to guarantee this.” The consultation, which closes on 20 December, can be accessed here.