§ 36. 36. Mr. David Ruffley (Bury St. Edmunds)What representations he has received on the upgrading and maintenance of trunk roads. [39542]
§ The Minister of Transport (Dr. Gavin Strang)About 14,000 representations have been received during the roads review. Overall, they showed an acceptance of the need for a new approach that includes proper maintenance, best use of existing roads and investment in specific improvements.
§ Mr. RuffleyIn the departmental review, will Ministers give special priority to major strategic trunk roads? Will the A14 be a priority, given that it is one of the major trunk routes between here and continental Europe?
§ Dr. StrangThe hon. Gentleman raises an important point about maintenance. He will be aware of the neglect of road maintenance by the previous Administration. We have increased the allocation from £200 million last year to £300 million this year. We must get better use out of the existing road network and maintain it properly.