Priti raises local highways matters with Roads Minister
Witham MP Priti Patel has met with the Roads Minister Jesse Norman to discuss progress with the A12 Widening Scheme and the dualling of the A120. The meeting also took place on the day when the Government announced over £2.6 million of new funding for Essex County Council out of a £100 million national pot for repairs to potholes and road surfaces. The meeting was also attended by North Essex and Harwich MP Bernard Jenkin and Chelmsford MP Vicky Ford. Priti said:
“The A12 widening scheme is one of the most important strategic projects in the country. It will make the A12 safer and by widening to three lanes between Boreham and Marks Tey will reduce congestion and help economic growth and job creation. We discussed with the Minister the progress of the scheme and once the current Local Plan process that Braintree District Council and Colchester Borough Council is completed further announcements on the A12 widening scheme will be made as route alignment is dependent on what is agreed in the Local Plan.”
“The meeting also discussed the importance of dualling the A120, future widening of the A12 north of Marks Tey and further improvements to the A12 and A120 in this part of Essex. I will continue to be in contact with the Minister, colleagues and constituents to get these vital strategic road improvements delivered.”
Commenting on the announcement of the additional £2.6 million for Essex County Council, Priti added:
“The extra money from the Government will help the Council to deal with the many potholes and incidents of damage on local roads and is welcome. Our highways have taken a battering during the recent severe weather and we need to see that money put to good use as soon as possible.”