Special Roads Act
Quick Summary
The Special Roads Act of 1949 in the United Kingdom authorized the creation of "motorways." These roads were designated for specific types of traffic, distinguishing them from general roadways. This legislation was part of a broader evolution of road management in the UK, following acts like the Ministry of Transport Act of 1919 and the Trunk Roads Acts of 1939 and 1944, which had begun to classify and support national road systems. The Special Roads Act of 1949 was later superseded by the comprehensive Highways Act of 1959 in England and Wales.1
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expresswayIn Great Britain the Special Roads Act of 1949 provided a network of about 700 miles (1,130 km) of new “motorways,” a total subsequently extended to more than 1,000 miles (1,600 km). France built several short express highways, or autoroutes, in the 1950s to facilitate egress from its major…
Read MoreIn Great Britain the Special Roads Act of 1949 provided a network of about 700 miles (1,130 km) of new “motorways,” a total subsequently extended to more than 1,000 miles (1,600 km). France built several short express highways, or autoroutes, in the 1950s to facilitate egress from its major…
Read More
roadThe United KingdomThe Special Roads Act of 1949 authorized existing or new roads to be classified as “motorways” that could be reserved for special classes of traffic. The Highways Act of 1959 swept away all previous highway legislation in England and Wales and replaced it with a comprehensive…
Read MoreThe Special Roads Act of 1949 authorized existing or new roads to be classified as “motorways” that could be reserved for special classes of traffic. The Highways Act of 1959 swept away all previous highway legislation in England and Wales and replaced it with a comprehensive…
Read More