Drivers say journey time is the most important factor to measure on England’s motorways and major A roads, according to new research.
Transport user watchdog Transport Focus and regulator the Office of Rail and Road (ORR) looked at what road users think should be measured when it comes to judging the performance of Highways England on the strategic road network.
Anthony Smith, chief executive of Transport Focus
The research, Measuring performance of England’s strategic roads: what users want, includes the views of drivers, cyclists, pedestrians and freight companies.
Drivers are most concerned with issues relating to journey time, which includes how long it takes, how often they arrive when they expect to, and avoiding wide variations in travel time.
Safety is the focus for cyclists, pedestrians and horse riders, whether travelling along or crossing Highways England’s roads.
Anthony Smith, chief executive of Transport Focus, said: ‘It is important that the way success is measured on our major roads has road users at its heart.
‘For the first time, we have evidence to show what is important to road users and to help make sure Highways England focuses on the things that best meet their needs. We look forward to working with Highways England, Government and ORR to ensure this research is used effectively to shape the performance required in future.’
ORR chief executive Joanna Whittington said: ‘ORR is taking an active role in supporting the development of the Government’s next roads strategy. An important element is to work with Transport Focus and other key stakeholders so that road user needs and aspirations are well understood and articulated.
‘This research, along with other studies we are conducting, will contribute to the creation of a strong evidence base to support a clear vision for the next road investment strategy.’
Transport Focus said Highways England is preparing a suite of measures to assess the performance of the road network in Road Period 2. Findings from this research have been shared with the Government-owned company to help with this development.
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