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Long-term vision by transport decision-makers is needed in order to ensure an infrastructure fit for future use by van insurance holders and other road users.

This is the suggestion of motoring charity the RAC Foundation which has published a new retrospective paper entitled What Went Wrong? British Highway Development before the Motorways.

The report considers the evolution of the UK transport network from Roman times and highlights the need for an effective long-term vision, said the RAC Foundation.

Sheila Rainger, acting director at the charity, suggested that if it were not for the turnpike system, the government's road building programme and the Romans, British roads would be in a worse state today.

She suggested that lack of vision was one of the factors to blame for past mistakes and that those who are making decisions today need to consider this.

Ms Rainger's suggestions include the development of delivery organisations with more power and "a clear duty to develop and manage the strategic road network".

She also called for "stronger planning frameworks" to ensure the transport infrastructure is prepared for the 21st century.

An independent charity established as an arm of the RAC in 1991, the RAC Foundation promotes motoring issues.