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The Department for Transport (DfT) is considering an integrated approach to transport planning on the back of the Stern and Eddington reports. In its 'Towards Sustainable Transport Systems: supporting economic growth in a low-carbon world' report, the government outlines its agenda for transport investment and tackling congestion and green issues after 2014.

One of the key factors is the consideration of all modes  of transport together rather than separate investment in road and rail. Roger King, chief executive of the Road Haulage Association, says a major consequence of the proposal is that the DfT will be more likely to consider intermodal solutions to transport problems. "From our point of view it represents an opportunity to set out the road transport stall and show the politicians the road haulage sector's green credentials."

King adds that the majority of freight is moved by road he hopes that discussions with government based on this document will help tackle the obstacles to an efficient road freight system, such as congestion. James Hookham, managing director of policy and communication at the Freight Transport Association, says: "We fully support [an integrated approach]. It gets around this whole 'road versus rail' debate, which is  good.

"The government has come round to seeing it how businesses do, but we would say to the government that it should get on with something in the meantime, as this scheme only comes in in 2014." He concludes: "The government is on the same page as us - now it's just about pace."

Following trials on the M42, hard shoulder running may be rolled out onto other parts of the motorway network to help ease congestion. It has already been given the go-ahead as part of a £150m scheme to be implemented on the motorway box around Birmingham. The FTA's external affairs director Geoff Dossetter says: "We do favour schemes of this type, though they mustn't be motorway widening 'on the cheap'." A feasibility study will be undertaken to look at the possibility of other schemes across the UK.