Secretary of state for transport Stephen Hammond has insisted the government is committed to improving the UK's road network.

The authorities have been criticised for a perceived lack of investment in the country's highways, with a recent report by the Institute of Civil Engineers suggesting that an "infrastructure deficit" has been created.

However, Mr Hammond said £3.3 billion has been outlined for road developments in the latest Spending Review.

He conceded that Britain has been lagging behind when it comes to building new stretches of motorway, with just 46 miles of road being built between 2001 and 2009 - compared with 850 miles in France and nearly 700 in Germany.

"That is why this government has committed significant funds," he remarked.

"This investment stretches the length of the country, from the A1 near Newcastle to the A30 in Cornwall."

Mr Hammond confirmed the money would not be spent exclusively on "big projects" and funds will be made available for smaller developments around the country.