Shailesh Vara raises concerns at Highways England’s closure of the slip road at junction 17 on the A1(M) without consultation, inadequate notice and ill regard for a diverted route.
Mr Shailesh Vara (North West Cambridgeshire) (Con)
I congratulate my right hon. Friend on her appointment as Leader of the House, and I wish her well in all that she does. This week, there has been absolute misery for thousands of motorists in my constituency. It has arisen because of a decision by Highways England to close off a slip road at junction 17 leading on to the A1(M). That decision was taken by Highways England without any consultation with local stakeholders, with inadequate notice to motorists and with ill regard for a diverted route. May we have a statement from the Secretary of State for Transport in which he can urge Highways England to act in the best interests of the community rather than unilaterally?
Andrea Leadsom
My hon. Friend raises another issue that is pertinent to all our constituencies, that of action being taken on roads without due notice. If he wants to write to me, I will be happy to pass that on to the Secretary of State for Transport so that appropriate action can be taken.