As for planning stronger roads; that has been done, but as lorries have grown in size and number, they are not strong enough. But, instead of spending huge sums reinforcing all roads, let us spend that money on the new railway system.
Extra spending which would have been avoided if planners could see past the end of their noses.
Growth makes the world go round... Failing to at least acknowledge that fact, let alone allow or prepare for it was a criminal waste of public money brought about from pandering to left wing nimbyism.
The only way to remove those trucks would be to run a double width truck train straight to Birmingham. Good luck selling the idea though...
DG, Isambard Kingdom Brunel designed just that with his 7'1" gauge railway, but it it wasn't taken up by other operators, so we are stuck with 4'8.5" standard gauge. If his gauge prevailed, think of the extra capacity - and safety - we could have had.
Ron.
Being fussy, it was strictly speaking 7' 0 1/4", having been increased from 7' to ease movement across junctions and tight curves.
But, you are right. I have long stated what advantages there would have been if all UK main line railways had operated on the Broad Gauge. The additional loading capacities would have made railways a lot more profitable, faster and safer.
However, due to political lobbying by Stevenson supporters and other railway operators the decision was made in 1845 for all new railways to be built to a Standard, 4' 8 1/2 gauge. Thus the Broad gauge was relegated to history, but lines of this gauge survived until 1892. Today however, the advantages of wide lines and track space can still be seen along the old GWR routes.