In his lecture he discussed the need to improve rural transport, the Local Sustainable Transport Fund, community rail, road sign clutter and many other issues affecting transport and transport planning.

An edited version of CPRE's 2012 Annual Lecture can be read on the CPRE's national website.

Commenting on the speech, CPRE Chief Executive Shaun Spiers said:

"Patrick McLoughlin spoke up for rural roads and motorists. We need better and safer roads, but we do not need the almost 800 miles of new roads now being considered by local and central government. New roads have a severe impact on the beauty and tranquillity of the countryside, and we will fight hard to resist any new road building programme, but most importantly we want to work with the Secretary of State to come up with innovative and sustainable solutions for the transport needs of rural England."

Read the CPRE's full response.

Help us respond to Patrick McLoughlin's lecture. Ask the Transport Minister to stand against new road building proposals.