Investment in infrastructure is needed in Ely and East Cambridgeshire and I have been taking action to ensure that our local transport links are improved.
Junctions 37 (A14/A142) and 38 (A14/A11)
I have been campaigning alongside the previous Mayor of Cambridgeshire and Peterborough, neighbouring MP Matt Hancock, and Cllrs Steve Count and Colin Noble for investment in Junctions 37 and 38 of the A14.
These junctions serve an area in which there is significant economic and population growth – East Cambridgeshire is one of the fastest growing districts in one of the fastest growing regions in the UK, which is delivering significant numbers of new jobs and considerable demand for additional housing. It is therefore essential to invest in improving capacity at these junctions to alleviate severe congestion and ensure the appropriate infrastructure is in place.
Supporting our bus services
Since leading the effort to save almost two dozen bus routes across our region in late 2022, I have continued to work to protect and improve our bus services.
As part of these efforts, I regularly speak with the Cambridgeshire and Peterborough Combined Authority, who have responsibility for managing the recent Government £4.6 million injection into Cambridgeshire bus services for 2023-2025. I recently pressed the Mayor to ask how he intends to spend this year’s allocation of Government funding to improve bus services in our region. I personally back the new bus service proposals tabled by East Cambridgeshire District Council.
A10
Cambridgeshire is one of the fastest growing economic regions in the country, and as such, improvements to the A10 are vital. It is crucial that our infrastructure keeps pace with other developments, and with significant new housing developments planned in Waterbeach, Ely and across the Cambridgeshire region, it is important that our local infrastructure and communities can withstand and support this anticipated influx of growth.
Since being elected as MP for South East Cambridgeshire in 2015, I have been consistently contacted by constituents with concerns about the delays and traffic on the A10. Residents of villages in the constituency have also expressed concern about their communities being used as a rat-runs by drivers to avoid the A10 at rush hour.
That is why I have been pressing the case for upgrades for several years, most recently securing £2 million from the UK Government for a study to look at the possible upgrade options.
I am also pleased that funding has been pledged by the Government to improve the road after savings were made from scrapping HS2.
Ely Junction Upgrade
The Ely Area Improvements Programme (EAIP) intends to solve chronic capacity and connectivity issues on the region’s railways by unlocking the potential of Ely Station to help deliver jobs and enhanced economic growth to the Eastern Region. If delivered, it would increase capacity by 30% through an increase in passenger and freight services, and return £4.89 on every £1 invested.
After pressing the Government with neighbouring MPs, I have secured national funding for upgrades. More details are to follow.
BP Roundabout Crossing in Witchford
The A10/A142 BP roundabout is a well-used route for members of the public, yet it is lacking a crossing for safe passage.
I have pressed for one for for several years now, but unfortunately, a series of delays have stalled the progress of the study group.
Recently, I wrote to the Mayor of Cambridgeshire and Peterborough Combined Authority to highlight how important it is that the project gets over the line without further postponement.
You can sign my petition to show your support for swift action on the 'Petitions' page of my website.
Making the A1421 safer
Residents in Haddenham, Wilburton, Stretham and Wicken have faced risks to their safety from heavy goods vehicles (HGVs) cutting through their villages via the A1421.
I am supporting Haddenham Parish Council to deter HGVs and introduce additional road safety measures in the Haddenham area to protect residents.
If you feel strongly about this, issue you can also support my petition on the 'Petitions' page of my website.