Cars of the future could be programmed to spot potholes on motorways and automatically transmit the information to Highways England to schedule repairs, a report suggests.

In its vision of the future outlined today (December 13), Highways England said an intelligent network coupled with connected vehicles would improve how efficiently roads are maintained and at the same time improve safety.

It has also outlined plans to use drones could to fly overhead and report back on incidents, improving response times.

The Strategic Road Network Initial Report says technology will play an increasingly major role in keeping people moving, and the country connected.

It also stresses the importance of keeping existing roads properly maintained, and that it does so in a way which minimises disruption to road users and local communities. The report will be used to inform the Government’s next road investment strategy which begins in 2020.

Highways England chief executive, Jim O’Sullivan, said: “We are delivering a record £15 billion of government investment to give people safe, efficient and reliable journeys, and provide businesses with the links they need to prosper and grow.

“Because people’s journeys are important to us we are setting out our high level aspirations which will help ensure the network continues to drive economic growth, jobs and prosperity, and keeps traffic moving today, and into the future.

“We encourage people to read our report and feedback through the Department for Transport’s consultation, which is also launched today.”

Since it was created in 2015, Highways England has completed 18 major road improvements and has a further 15 currently in construction.

Transport secretary Chris Grayling said: “This government is making people’s journeys better, faster and safer to give people better access to jobs, schools and their community.

“We are planning to spend more than ever before to upgrade England’s motorways and major A roads from 2020 through to 2025.”

The Initial Report outlines eight aspirations for the next road period: focus on operations, maintenance and renewals; build the smart motorway spine of the network; roll out expressways; undertake transformational investments; deliver a balanced programme; renew focus on small schemes; deliver through refined designated funds; and prepare for the future.

The Department for Transport consultation into Highways England’s Initial Report will run until Wednesday, February 7, 2018.

The results of it will be used by the department to help develop the next Road Investment Strategy which the Government is expected to publish in 2019. It is then that detail on specific road projects will be outlined.

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