Priti calls for investment and decisions on Essex road schemes
Witham MP Priti Patel has spoken in Parliament to call for decisions to be made on investment on key road schemes in Essex. Speaking during a debate she had secured on road funding in Essex, Priti challenged the Roads Minister to release the funding for the A12 widening scheme between Chelmsford and Marks Tey, which was approved by the previous government, and to continue to develop the A120 dualling scheme. Both schemes run through the Witham constituency, have been championed by Priti, and will improve safety, reduce congestion and support economic growth. Priti also called for clarity and certainty over future plans to provide Essex County Council with funding for local roads maintenance and pothole repairs over the next decade and questioned the delaying of a decision on the Lower Thames Crossing. Priti said:
“Essex is a County of entrepreneurs and we can attract more investment, jobs and growth to the region if the Government stops dithering and invests in our strategic and local roads. We have shovel ready schemes which can support economic growth, more housing and improved road safety and environmental outcomes. We are a net contributor to the Treasury and our ports and airports can support growing levels of global trade if our roads are modernised.”
“Sadly, we did not get that support and instead the Labour Minister for Roads chose to reel off slogans in her response to my debate. People in Essex expect the Government to listen to their concerns and if Labour do not intend to support these schemes, they should come clean and be honest with the public. As it stands, their inaction will cost us jobs, housing, infrastructure and importantly lives.”
“I have campaigned hard with our businesses, local communities and councils to secure significant commitments to invest in improving highways across Essex from the previous Government and it would be dreadful for our County if Labour neglects us, scraps these schemes and cuts planned investments.”