Minor roads could be used as flood channels under new proposals to tackle the growing threat of flooding and coastal erosion published by the Government today.

Making Space For Water outlines a 20-year strategy for England and will replace the current policy for flood and coastal defence, which is 11 years old.

It addresses warnings that the frequency and severity of flooding will increase due to climate change.

The paper considers measures to combat all types of flooding - including from sewers, drains and groundwater.

It examines the use of land, engineering and design solutions to protect homes and transport links and also looks at warning systems and emergency responses.

Possible solutions include using minor, non-strategic roads as flood channels in extreme events, improving sea and river walls, and creating saltmarsh buffer zones in coastal areas and wetlands near rivers.

Launching the consultation, Environment Minister Elliot Morley said: ''Climate change means we may well see more bad worse flooding in the future.

''We must factor in and plan for this across the board, working closely with the insurance industry and other interested parties, so that the adverse consequences for people and for businesses are minimised.''

The Government hopes to publish a final strategy in early 2005.