Jim has welcomed the Chancellor’s announcement in today’s Autumn Statement that the Government will fund immediate improvements to the A14 following a sustained campaign by the region’s MPs and local Councils.

Jim said, “I am very pleased that the Chancellor has recognised that the A14 needs immediate investment in order to increase capacity and improve safety. This announcement has come after a long campaign by Cambridgeshire MPs and Councillors who know, like local residents, that one problem on the road can gridlock the whole county. A fit-for-purpose A14 is vital for the economic prosperity of Cambridgeshire and I am delighted that the Government has chosen to support Cambridgeshire in this way.”

Cambridgeshire County Council Leader Nick Clarke, said: “Government has listened to our arguments and I am really pleased they have agreed with us the road needs increased capacity and improved performance so that it can flow freely. Its improvement is vital to unlocking housing and business opportunities at new developments such as Northstowe and Alconbury.

“Improving the A14 is vital for improving safety, supporting business and reducing congestion. But it is not just vital locally it is important regionally, nationally and internationally. At the moment it is a barrier to growth at a time when Cambridgeshire could help kick start the economy. The news of Government's strong commitment to finding a solution is a great step forward but we will continue to push for the process to be carried out speedily and turn from talk to tarmac.”