§ Lord Baker of Dorkingasked Her Majesty's Government:
What plans they have to provide a dual carriageway on the A27 between Lewes and Polegate; and [HL3719]
What plans they have to reduce congestion and delay on the A27 at Arundel; and [HL3720]
What plans they have to provide a northern bypass to Worthing from the A27. [HL3721]
§ Lord Davies of OldhamOn Wednesday 9 July my right honourable friend the Secretary of State for Transport made a Statement in another place announcing the Government's response to the south coast multi-modal study. The bypass schemes recommended by the study for reducing delays on the A27 at Worthing, Arundel, and at Selmeston and Wilmington were not supported in the form proposed. Each of these schemes would have significant environmental impacts. Taking them forward as proposed would not be consistent with the Government's policy presumption against new or expanded transport infrastructure that would adversely affect environmentally sensitive areas and sites. The Highways Agency has been asked to work with local authorities and statutory environmental bodies to identify less damaging options, including management measures which reduce the need for major road construction while recognising the importance of finding solutions which are capable of delivering planned housing and economic growth.