Road transport plays a vital part in the UK economy and will continue to do so for the foreseeable future. However, the environmental issues surrounding transport are also of growing concern to the nation, with roads seen as a key element in the environmental debate. These two issues are in conflict, with one pointing to the need for greater road capacity to accommodate more vehicles while the other suggests a limit on road space and fewer vehicles. The Highways Agency has a responsibility to help resolve this dilemma and is doing so by placing increased emphasis on making more efficient use of existing roads.