WHETHER of not it is already-announced cash and initiatives dressed us as new, John Prescott's pledge of £140billion for transport is a recognition that motorists fuming at the fuel pumps and in traffic jams are ready to drive off with their votes unless they get a better deal.

For what else is the about-turn in the package that promises a massive road-building programme -- when, on coming to power, the government was slashing schemes and pledging to curb the growth of cars?

At last, it seems to have realised that there are plenty of new road plans that are vital -- particularly those that steer "through" traffic away from town-centres and village main streets -- and which also conform with the ideal of cutting congestion and pollution and increasing road safety.