The independent review of the Strategic Road Network (SRN) will be led by Alan Cook, non-executive Chairman of the Highways Agency board. It forms part of a series of measures announced by the Department for Transport as part of the spending review settlement to ensure that the Highways Agency is structured in the best way to deliver effective services.

The review will formally get underway after Easter and Alan Cook will report his findings to the Transport Secretary in October.

Transport Minister Philip Hammond said: 'Given the current fiscal climate, it is essential that all parts of Government strive for greater efficiency while delivering effective, value-for-money services. The Strategic Road Network is crucial to keeping people, goods and services moving and it is vital that we consider whether we could improve how the network is operated, managed and enhanced.'

The terms of reference can be found at: http://www.dft.gov.uk/pgr/roads/network/strategic/hareview/