Question to the Department for Transport:

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, whether she has undertaken an assessment of the potential impact on access to public services caused by the decision to cancel the A12 Widening Scheme.

Following cancellation of the unaffordable A12 Widening Scheme, National Highways is working with local stakeholders on potential smaller-scale interventions for this section of road. This work is considering existing safety, reliability and resilience issues, alongside future housing, employment and freight growth. These are important factors to consider to understand the potential impact on access to public services. This work is developing a phased approach to potential investment, with shorter-term operational improvements and longer-term options requiring further assessment before any investment decisions are taken.