Tim Farron writes to Transport Secretary after A66 plans thrown into doubt

Local MP Tim Farron has asked the Secretary of State for Transport, Louise Haigh, to commit to the planned £1.3bn upgrade of the A66 between Penrith and Scotch Corner.

The plans, which would dual 18 miles of the road, were thrown into doubt with the Cumberland and Westmorland Herald reporting that they were now part of an internal spending review being carried out by the Department for Transport.

Announcing the review earlier this month in a statement to Parliament, Louise Haigh said that the previous Conservative Government had made “£2.9 billion of unfunded transport commitments”.

Writing to the Transport Secretary, Tim said: “As you are no doubt aware, the A66 is a critical arterial route for the North of England, providing vital connections for freight, tourism and businesses.

“However the road is in dire need of improvements, with frequent congestion problems and, tragically, many serious and fatal accidents occurring

“Therefore I am deeply concerned by reports in the Cumberland and Westmorland Herald that this project is part of your internal review into your department’s capital spend portfolio, and is therefore at risk.

“Please will you confirm whether or not this is the case, and commit to this absolutely vital upgrade which will serve as a massive boost to the economy and will also save lives?”