Announced by Transport Secretary Patrick McLoughlin, the “Action for Roads” command paper is fully funded by June’s spending review and sees the Government commit £500m to support the UK ultra-low emission vehicle industry, saying that it is ‘demonstrating its determination to support UK jobs while achieving the twin goals of decarbonising motor vehicles and improving air quality’.

The total £28bn spend will also see the national network of motorways and trunk roads gain extra lanes, smoother, quieter surfaces, improved junctions and new sections in key areas while £12bn will be used for road maintenance over the course of the next parliament.

The funding and reform will be underpinned by legislation so future governments cannot walk away from these commitments.