Government launches A14 challenge
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THE GOVERNMENT has launched a “large scale engagement programme” to consider ways in which congestion can be eased on the A14.
As announced in the Chancellor’s autumn statement, the “A14 Challenge” will look at how the heavily congested road can be upgraded and funding mechanisms such as tolling.
The Treasury says that proposed improvements to the A14 will be announced in spring 2012. However, it has pledged £20m for immediate investment in small-scale projects to improve junctions.
The Freight Transport Association says it welcomes the announcement but that the industry is “looking for early, tangible progress in providing industry with the journey time reliability it needs”.
Local hauliers have questioned the viability of building a toll road alongside the A14. Felixstowe-based Deben Transport MD Paul Dawson says its customers would not accept a rate increase to cover toll costs, and that even if one was given the green light it would become mired for years in public consultations and appeals.
“The problem we have got is the people are not prepared to pay for it,” he says.
“I don’t think we would use it unless there was an emergency. We don’t use any of the toll roads anywhere; we already pay our taxes.”