ACTION is needed to address growing congestion on the A34 before it damages Oxfordshire's economy, a government-backed study warns today.

The report said a new link between Oxford, Milton Keynes and Cambridge - the so-called 'brain belt' - was needed to prevent "increased journey times for commuters and businesses".

The three areas are seen as economic powerhouses, contributing above-average revenue to the Treasury, and ministers want to cut travel times between them.

At present, it said journey times between Oxford and Cambridge were typically two and a half hours.

But new infrastructure could reduce this by "an hour or more", the report said. 

Conversely, it also warned the A34 and other parts of the 'expressway' proposed between the two university cities "are all forecast to be operating overcapacity by 2035 if no improvements to the strategic transport network are provided".

It is the first part of a study that will be completed later this year. The findings will inform proposals for new roads or public transport links, the Government said.

Transport Minister John Hayes added: "This next phase is aimed at creating more vital links, creating jobs and opportunities and helping hardworking families across the country feel the benefits of our investment."