A leading figure at the Confederation of British Industry (CBI) believes the Department for Transport's (DfT's) road investment plans "fall well short" of what is required to improve the nation's infrastructure.

The government revealed earlier this week (July 16th) that new laws have been introduced to ensure significant funds will be spent on upgrading the UK's roads in the coming years. In addition to this, it announced the Highways Agency would become a publicly-owned company.

However, CBI director for business environment Rhian Kelly thinks a "radical overhaul" in the way road improvements are paid for is needed.

While she conceded the DfT's announcement is a small step in the right direction, the government cannot afford to ignore the current £8 billion funding shortfall.

"The prime minister set out a long-term vision last year and ministers must be bolder to see his ambition through," she commented.

Director of policy at the British Chambers of Commerce Dr Adam Marshall said the reforms must bring an end to "stop-start" Britain, as companies are currently blighted by excessive congestion.