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Call for reform over road repair funding

FUNDING patterns mean most road maintenance is being carried out in "less-efficient, cold and wet" times, a report from a Government spending watchdog has said. The current pattern of funding, combined with the need to spend money within the financial year, means that most maintenance work goes on between September and March, said the report from the National Audit Office (NAO). It went on: "Although this is less disruptive for road users, it is less efficient than carrying out the work at other times of year because materials can be more difficult to handle in cold and wet conditions, and daylight hours are shorter." The report went on: "As a result of the additional funding for emergency repairs, which is made available at the end of the financial year, almost all highways authorities need extra capacity from the market at the same time, which makes it less likely that they will get value for money." The NAO report said there was a "lack of predictability" over road spending adding that historically, local highway authorities spent more revenue on maintenance, but were now carrying out fewer routine activities such as clearing gullies which are essential to preventing water seeping into roads' sub-structure.

Cyclists 'a pretty special bunch'

WE BRITS think cyclists are more intelligent and charitable than the average person, according to a new report. A study for the British Heart Foundation (BHF) found that sportsmen and women generally were more attractive than celebrities, with most qualities attributed to cyclists. The survey of 600 adults also showed that two thirds admitted to liking lycra.

The £1300 car

By Tim Pollard Motoring Issues 09 January 2008 12:21 One of the most intriguing cars of the year will be unveiled later this week: the Tata one-lakh car that could redefine budget transport for the masses. The £1300 bargain will be launched at the New Delhi Auto Show amid an anticipated media storm. Tata hopes to mobilise India with the one-lakh car, named after the Indian shorthand for 100,000 rupees, the equivalent £1300.