The government is to press ahead with a £3.5 billion programme to widen Britain's busiest motorways.

Forum Response: Construction Products Association

Allan Wilén, economics director at the Construction Products Association, told ePolitix.com: "The final inclusion of these two major widening schemes for the M1 and M25 in the Highways Agency’s development programme is welcome news.

"Unfortunately it will still be some time before these schemes relieve drivers from the high levels of congestion on these two key routes, with construction not starting before 2006 and expected to take 10 years to complete.

"We would hope that the forthcoming review of the ten-year transport plan would include a firmer and more urgent timetable for these two key projects."

Forum Response: Highways Agency

Archie Robertson, chief executive of the Highways Agency, said: "These plans will enable road users to enjoy safer and less congested journeys when these schemes are completed.

"Upgrades on these vital routes will tackle congestion on the M25 and M1 - improving journey time reliability for road users and supporting economic growth.

"The Agency will now develop the design, programming and procurement arrangements for the schemes. During design, we will be investigating any impacts upon the landscapes and communities that might be affected by the works.

"Specific issues such as lighting, noise, air quality will be carefully considered, along with appropriate mitigation measures."