ROAD improvements in Dartford and Gravesham might not be the answer to boosting the local economy.

Environmental group The Campaign to Protect Rural England (CPRE) says claims new roads will bring cash to the area are rarely being put to the test.

The campaign wants proof improvements on the A2 towards the Dartford Tunnel and along the A2 between Bean and Cobham will boost the community and not harm the environment.

CPRE transport campaigner Dawn Robinson said: "We do know new roads carve through the countryside destroying its beauty and tranquillity. But we don't know what, if any, benefits to economic regeneration they are providing.

"It's a myth all new roads bring economic vitality. Negative impacts can include the leakage of business, jobs and money from the local economy.

"We want to be sure limited public funds are directed towards schemes which deliver genuine economic benefits.

"It is in everyone's interest damaging road schemes, which won't deliver on their regeneration promises, are scrapped to protect the environment."

In 1998 the Government introduced procedures to assess the economic benefits of a proposed road.

The Highways Agency said they take into account a number of factors set out by the Government when assessing road schemes including accessibility, safety, economics, environment and integration.

A Highways Agency spokesman said: "All of our schemes are judged against this criteria for the best outcome for the community. The Government recognises the important role roads play in supporting the economy and protecting jobs and takes into account other transport considerations before making final decisions."

In the report Roads to Regeneration, CRPE claims millions in public money is earmarked for road schemes with "groundless regeneration claims" and state roads proposed before the new measures should be re-examined.