Roads and canals bury the hatchet

Two centuries of enmity between road and water transport have come to an end with a formal agreement between British Waterways, which runs many of the country's canals, and the Highways Agency.

In the 18th century, canals took passenger and goods traffic away from the turnpike roads, which fell into decline. But in the 20th century, the tables were turned with the advent of the motorway and efficient road haulage, signalling the end of carrying on many canals.

The agreement will be signed next Monday (14th July) by the Aston Clinton bypass in Buckinghamshire - a prime example of the new spirit of co-operation. Here, the Highways Agency has undertaken to restore half a mile of the derelict Wendover Arm as part of its new route around the congested village. Other benefits have included:

• keeping the road on the level by re-routing of the canal a

short distance uphill, so that headroom for boats and walkers was
maintained without the need to raise the road;

• creating new habitats by using wildlife-friendly design

features including coir rolls - soft bank protection which allows
waterside plants to quickly establish and water voles to burrow
into the banks; and

• constructing a towpath for walkers and cyclists.

Across Britain, the agreement hopes to encourage opportunities for people to transfer their travel from roads to waterways - by boat, bike or on foot. 'Cycle commuting' on towpaths, for example, could help reduce road congestion in cities. It will also promote transfer of freight between land and water transport.

The agreement will be signed by Hilary Chipping, Highways Agency Director, and Robin Evans, Chief Executive of British Waterways.