A Cumbrian MP has urged Prime Minister Keir Starmer to commit to the planned £1.3bn upgrade of the A66 between Penrith and Scotch Corner.
Tim Farron, who represents Westmorland & Lonsdale, asked Sir Keir about the road during Prime Minister’s Questions today, Wednesday, September 4.
The plans, which would dual 18 miles of the road, were thrown into doubt with reports that they were now part of an spending review being carried out by the Department for Transport.
Mr Farron told Sir Keir: “In the last five years, there have been ten fatal accidents on the A66 along the short stretch in the Eden Valley in Westmorland.
“So in our community, we are naturally deeply concerned that the vital A66 Northern Trans-Pennine project, which would make the roads considerably safer, has been put under review by this government.
“Will the Prime Minister take the opportunity now and end this uncertainty today, commit to this project and save lives?
Sir Keir said: “Well, I thank him for raising this question about fatalities on roads, and that is a very serious issue in relation to the A66 and other roads across the country.
“We have inherited a broken economy. We have to review what we’re spending money on. We’re going through that review and we’ll report back as soon as we can.”
Speaking afterwards, Mr Farron said: “I appreciate that the new Government are having to make difficult decisions as a result of the reckless mismanagement of the public’s finances by the previous Conservative Government.
“However this project is absolutely critical to boosting the North’s economy, massively reducing congestion, and most importantly saving lives. Therefore it must be prioritised and the Government must end the uncertainty right now and give this project – which frankly should have already been started – the green light.
“I will continue to put pressure on ministers to make sure this vital project goes ahead.”
