A Cumbrian MP has presented a petition to the Government, urging ministers to give the go-ahead to the A66 dualling project.
On the floor of the House of Commons today, Monday March 31, Tim Farron, who represents Westmorland & Lonsdale, presented the petition signed by over 2,200 people urging the Government to approve plans to dual the A66 from Penrith to Scotch Corner.
The £1.6 billion project was thrown into doubt last autumn after it was announced that it was being included in a spending review carried out by the Department for Transport.
Mr Farron met with the Roads Minister Lilian Greenwood, alongside Rishi Sunak the MP for neighbouring Richmond & Northallerton, to make the case for the scheme
The minister said a final decision on the project will not be announced until the Treasury’s Spending Review, which will take place in June.
Speaking in Parliament, Mr Farron said: “I rise to present a petition on behalf of 2,247 of my constituents who call on the Chancellor of the Exchequer to urgently give the go-ahead to plans to dual the A66 from Penrith to Scotch Corner.
“They declare that this would bring huge benefits to the North West region, reducing congestion and providing a big boost to the North economy; further note that it will limit the number of serious and fatal accidents which tragically are a regular occurrence on this road.
“The petitioners therefore request that the House of Commons urge the Government to give the green light to plans to dual the A66 between Penrith and Scotch Corner, which would reduce congestion, boost the economy, and save lives.”
