Technology cannot solve traffic problems on its own

New and wider roads are needed in addition to new vehicle technology such as real time sat nav to combat the growing congestion problems on the UK’s roads.

According to RAC research, 58% of drivers believe that in-car technology makes driving safer, however, 71% of drivers believe the complexity of modern vehicles means new technology would have to be explained to them to have a positive effect.

Indeed, 14% of drivers admit that new technology in cars means added distractions that divert their attention away from driving.

In its latest research paper, the RAC also states that indecision, poor management, the formation of transport departments that do not have a clear remit and a lack of long-term vision has set back the development of UK roads.

The report states that it took 100 years for the government to take responsibility for main roads after the turnpike system declined in the mid-19th century.

The Foundation warns that Britain is facing the same economic and financial problems in future years if a coherent long-term plan is not put in place.

"Badly planned, poorly configured, piecemeal road building programmes should be a feature of our country's past,” said Sheila Rainger, acting director of the RAC Foundation. "To avoid roads to ruin we need to learn from mistakes, and develop stronger planning frameworks and more powerful delivery organisations with a clear duty to develop and manage the strategic road network.”