Question to the Department for Transport:

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what powers he has to direct Highways England to ensure that construction of the six A47 improvement schemes approved under the second Roads Investment Strategy begins.

The second Road Investment Strategy (RIS2) published in March 2020 includes a commitment to start construction of these schemes in the current road period (2020-2025) and has confirmed funding will be available for Highways England to do so. Highways England will shortly publish its delivery plan, which will confirm the timing for their delivery. The Office of Rail and Road, as the Roads Monitor, holds Highways England to account in delivering RIS2, publishes reports on their performance and has statutory enforcement powers.