Benefits of new roads being overstated, say campaigners

[Aurora]

BBC News - 18/01/10

The benefits of major road building schemes in England are being overstated by the government body responsible, a report has said.

The Campaign for Better Transport says congestion, noise and air quality usually end up worse than predicted.

It argues that without better modelling it is impossible for residents, public inquiries and ministers to decide whether a new road is worth building.

The Highways Agency says the schemes in the report do provide value for money.

In its report, the campaign says that until the agency provides more accurate forecasts, there should be a freeze on major road building projects.

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