MPs have called for a joined-up road and rail policy in order to secure future economic prosperity in two new reports.

In addition, effective regulation and long-term funding plans are necessary in order to secure investment in the strategic road network.

The MPs claim the government's case for establishing the Highways Agency as a government-owned company is "not convincing".

One of the MPs' recommendations is that the Department for Transport (DfT) should specify more of the kinds of transport scheme that are needed, such as better connectivity on east-west railways.

They say the DfT should also be clearer about the potential negative impacts major infrastructure schemes have on localities.

Criticisms of the DfT's road and rail demand forecasts need to be addressed more explicitly, the MPs argue.

Louise Ellman MP, chair of the Transport Committee, said: "If our recommendations are overlooked the UK won’t develop the kind of transport infrastructure that it needs over the longer term."