New powers to help councils redraw the map

Local authorities will be given greater control over how their roads appear on maps and satnav systems - helping them to better direct traffic - under bureaucracy-cutting proposals set out today by Local and Regional Transport Minister Norman Baker.

At present, if a council wants to change the classification of one of its roads - for example downgrading an A road to a B road - it has to be approved by the Department for Transport.

The Government proposes devolving decision making to councils as they are best-placed to decide the classification of local roads. This would help them make clear to drivers which roads are most suitable for through-journeys, potentially reducing congestion on local routes.

Norman Baker said: "The current system dates back to the 1960s and is a hangover from the days of Whitehall-knows-best. I believe in giving power to local people. This reform will cut red tape and mean councils can better control traffic in their area.

"They can ensure A roads are placed where they want traffic to run, and can lower the category of road in places they want traffic to avoid. By making it less onerous for councils to ensure road classification better reflects conditions on the ground, journeys will be easier to navigate.

"We are also using this as an opportunity to invite new ideas of tackling some of the problems caused by satnavs, for example lorries being directed down unsuitable roads. We want to hear suggestions as to how the current system could be improved - and how councils could better work with satnav companies."

Under the new system, councils will have control over road classification decisions in their area - including which roads should be used as primary routes - with no requirement to get approval from the DfT. The Department will only deal with contentious cases where there are serious disagreements about a council's decision.

A spokesman for Rochdale Borough Council said: “It is rare that we consider classifying or declassifying roads within the borough as our strategic route network is established, however if in future we do look at road classifications we recognise that the simplification of the process will assist the council in delivering better management of its highway network. Obviously if we do promote changes to the network we will consult neighbouring councils on proposals.”