Explanatory Memorandum from the Department
of the Environment, Transport and the Regions (EST 98A)
PART II—COMMENTARY ON THE SUPPLY ESTIMATES
CLASS VI, VOTE 8: HIGHWAYS
AGENCY
More details can be found in the Annual Report
1998: Chapter 8 and Tables A2, A12, A14, A15 and C2.
| Vote total
|
|
| £000 |
|
| Final net provision 1996-97 | 1,663,499
|
| Provision sought 1998-99 | 1,420,601
|
| Change | -242,898 |
| Change (Per cent) | -15 Per cent
|
| |
| Final net provision 1997-98 | 1,572,599
|
| Provision sought 1998-99 | 1,420,601
|
| Change | -151,998 |
| Change (Per cent) | -10 Per cent
|
|
This Vote replaces the former Class V, Vote 1 (Highways Agency).
The Vote covers the work of the Highways Agency including:
construction, improvement, maintenance and management of motorways
and trunk roads, including the acquisition of land, publicity,
scheme design and preparation; archaeological survey and rescue
work; compensation; administration costs; export opportunities;
and research and development in support of Highways Agency operations.
The only new service provided in 1998-99 is that of export
opportunities under the Wider Markets Initiative. This is in respect
of the Highways Agency providing professional advice to British
companies on road building abroad. Receipts will be retained as
appropriations-in-aid.
Individual Sections where the level of provision has changed
significantly are:
| Section A—National roads
|
|
| £000 |
|
| Final net provision 1996-97 | 1,583,690
|
| Provision sought 1998-99 | 1,349,036
|
| Change | -234,654 |
| Change (Per cent) | -15 Per cent
|
| |
| Final net provision 1997-98 | 1,496,007
|
| Provision sought 1998-99 | 1,349,036
|
| Change | -146,971 |
| Change (Per cent) | -10 Per cent
|
|
Annual Report 1998—Chapter 8, paragraphs 8.5-8.9; figure
8a
From 1996-97 to 1998-99 there has been a gradual tailing
off of the National Roads programme expenditure. However, this
has been partially offset by an increase in expenditure on both
network control and local network management schemes. The 1998-99
figures also continue an increased element for roads and bridges
maintenance.
| Section B—Administration
|
|
| £000 |
|
| Final net provision 1996-97 | 79,807
|
| Provision sought 1998-99 | 71,564
|
| Change | -8,243 |
| Change (Per cent) | -10 Per cent
|
|
Annual Report 1998—Table A12
The Highways Agency was re-organised between 1996-97 and
1998-99, leading to a rationalisation of staffing levels. The
improved efficiency enabled the closure of two offices.
|
