Motorway IT is failing motorists, say MPs

Poor decisions about IT investments have left motorists stuck in traffic jams, according to a committee of MPs.

A report by the Public Accounts Committee (PAC) has criticised the Highways Agency's IT strategy, saying it was "not well integrated" with its road building and widening strategy, with the result that "inappropriate and potentially costly" decisions have been made.

The committee of MPs said the agency has not used its most sophisticated technology at the most congested motorways.

The agency has installed the most sophisticated technology mainly on motorways in the north and the Midlands - but has not yet implemented it on many of the heavily congested motorways in the southeast.

The PAC report revealed that in 2001 the Highways Agency started to install cheaper, less sophisticated technology in the southeast. However the technology was inappropriate - and would have cost £64m more than the installation of the right technology from the outset - so the agency has since cancelled these plans.

The report said drivers should be provided with real-time information at the roadside to help them avoid congestion.

"Message signs are not up-to-date and do not give motorists any indication of how long it would take to clear sections of congested roads, or for motorists to reach their destinations," the report warned.

It added: "The agency already has the technology necessary to provide such advice and is investing in technology to gather better traffic information. But it is only now starting to provide such information to drivers in England on a limited number of roads."

On a positive note, the PAC report said the agency has established a Technology Strategy Steering Group to prioritise resources for technology projects nationally.

In response, the Highways Agency said: "We are spending £1.7bn to deliver a wide range of projects to tackle congestion, improve safety and provide reliable journey information to motorists. We are already implementing many of the measures suggested by the PAC around the network."

It said it is spending £250m annually on new technology systems including warning signs for drivers.

Congestion on England's motorways and trunk roads costs the economy £3bn per year.