Sir Oliver Heald, MP for North East Hertfordshire, has welcomed a Department for Transport report which commits the Government to widen the A1(M) in Hertfordshire.
The report shows that the number of collisions in the Junctions 6-8 area is above average, and that many of these occur when there are “severe congestion issues”. The report also states that local non-compliance with the EU Air Quality Directive is associated with congestion issues and a lack of capacity in the road network.
It further argues that the local economy could benefit from more productive jobs, as a better road network would “enable workers already in employment to move to more productive jobs either within or outside the area”.
Commenting, Sir Oliver said, “The problems for local people and businesses presented by the North Hertfordshire section of the A1(M) are well-known. As well as annoyance for road-users facing long tailbacks, this report also describes the safety, employment, and environmental impacts of an inadequate road. I am glad that the Government remains committed to the A1(M) widening scheme.