In his article, Stop obsessing about planes and trains, and start using roads better, Jenkins comments:
‘In 2006, Sir Rod Eddington’s report examining the long-term links between transport and the UK’s economic productivity was unequivocal. Air and train journeys are primarily for personal and leisure use. If the economy is the issue, avoid grand projects, just improve roads. The rate of return to them is huge.
Last week the boss of Next, Lord Wolfson, took up this theme and offered a £250,000 prize for the best idea for better roads. “If we can learn from the rest of the world, or pioneer new thinking in Britain, then we can do something about delays,” said the peer. Perhaps his vans are having trouble reaching his shops. Good luck to him. This column is my entry.’