§ Mr. Paul MarsdenTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions when he plans to review proposals for improvements to the A49 between Ludlow and Shrewsbury. [43383]
§ Ms Glenda JacksonI have asked the Chief Executive of the Highways Agency, Mr. Lawrie Haynes, to write to my hon. Friend.
Letter from Lawrie Haynes to Mr. Paul Marsden, dated 2 June 1998:
The Minister of Transport in London has asked me to reply to your recent question about plans to review proposals for improvements to the A49 between Ludlow and Shrewsbury.The Highways Agency regularly reviews the operation of its trunk roads and last year commissioned its agent, at that time, Shropshire County Council, to carry out a number of safety and traffic calming studies on the A49. From 1 April, we appointed a new agent, WSP Graham, who will be reviewing the outcome of those studies with a view to acting on their recommendations at the earliest opportunity. The Agency's Area Manager, whose responsibilities include this length of A49, recently met with representatives of a newly formed Safety Campaign Group to listen to their concerns. We shall be carefully considering the points which they raised as part of the review process.In addition, you will be aware that a review of the trunk road programme is currently being carried out, the results of which are due to be announced shortly.