Rubber roads are on track

Could this be heading on the right tracks towards easing congestion? Inventor Peter Coates Smith thinks so, and he claims his idea could also help recycle some of the UK's millions of unwanted tyres.

Auto Express Car Reviews

Plan sees rubber matsplaced on old railwaysto create new roads

09th May 2006

Coates Smith, boss of rubber surfacing company Holdfast, says disused railway lines could be turned into roads by covering the sleepers with thick mats made out of waste rubber.

The new highway would enable cars and motorbikes to travel at up to 50mph and run alongside trams if the rails are left in place. "It is quicker and cheaper to lay than tarmac, and quieter," explained Peter. "It doesn't pothole, and any damaged mats can be replaced simply." Holdfast makes the rubber mats for level crossings, and technicians have built a 300-metre test track at the Peugeot car depot in Corby, Northants. The firm has been handed a £250,000 Government grant to find a use for old tyres now it's illegal to put them in landfill. Every mile of the rubber highway would use up 354,000 tyres and cost £1.4million to build, instead of £20m for constructing the same amount of a modern motorway.

Tell us about your car in our Driver Power survey.