THE Government must spend an extra £2 billion a year on transport - including roads - says the CBI. The CBI also urged businesses and individuals to make better use of existing local and national roads and public transport.

The government will soon publish its response to 'the great transport debate' instigated in autumn 1994 by then transport secretary Dr Brian Mawhinney. The CBI has urged the Government to reveal firm proposals and turn the debate into action.

CBI director general Adair Turner said: 'Business confidence in the government's resolve to develop a competitive and sustainable transport network in the UK is at a low ebb.'

Following the Chancellor's November 1995 Budget decision to cut the national roads programme by a third (Fleet News December 1, 1995) Turner said businesses' belief that the government had a clear way forward had been undermined.