Julian Raises Northern Ring Road at Treasury Questions
February 27, 2018
Today Julian pressed the Chancellor of the Exchequer to consider future housing development when investing to upgrade strategic roads, including the A1237 in York.
During an Oral Questions session in the House of Commons, Julian warmly noted that Vehicle Excise Duty would be made available for improving major strategic roads under the control of local authorities for the first time. Furthermore, whilst HM Treasury have been clear that there must be a strong economic case to invest in infrastructure, the Julian asserted that proposed future development must also be a high consideration.
In his response Mr Phillip Hammond, Chancellor of the Exchequer, stated that:
“The Major Roads Network will support the creation of new housing development by improving access to future development sites and boosting suitable land capacity. Investment decisions for this funding will include considerations of how proposed schemes will unlock land for housing developments and help to improve how transport is planned for new development at the outset.”
The Chancellor went on to clarify that the northern ring road is part of the proposed Major Roads Network.
Speaking afterwards, Julian said:
“Whilst I have always made clear that there is a strong economic case for upgrading the northern ring road, there is an equally pressing need to improve the road in order to address severe congestion. Any development in the north of the city will place a greater strain on the route and must be considered accordingly.
City of York Council have been clear that expanding the A1237 to a dual carriageway is a crucial part of the Local Plan and a feasibility study is being undertaken to assess the options for upgrading. The Major Road Network needs to consider all relevant factors and I was encouraged by the Chancellor’s remarks.”
