Two MPs have written to the Prime Minister warning that delays to the A66 upgrade scheme is allowing “preventable accidents” to continue.
In a letter signed by Richmond and Northallerton MP Rishi Sunak and Tim Farron, MP for Westmorland and Lonsdale, the Government is urged to press ahead with the work on the trans-Pennine route.
It was announced earlier this year that the dualling of the remaining sections of the road between Scotch Corner and Penrith was subject to a Government review of major infrastructure projects.
The news has sparked concerns from community leaders and locals living near the route that the upgrade will be permanently shelved.
The MPs point out that 12 fatalities occurred on the A66 in 2023 alone.
The letter states: “I write to represent my constituents to ask for a meeting regarding the A66 running through my constituency and that of my co-signatory and constituency neighbour.
“Your government has put the Northern Trans-Pennine Project – which would dual the whole stretch of road from Penrith to Scotch Corner – under review.
“We hope to persuade you to commit to backing this project with the funding it needs.
“The longer it is left under review, the longer our constituents are left in uncertainty, and the longer preventable accidents will continue. You can – and must – act swiftly to stop these horrifying accidents.”
The MPs add that the completion of the dualling project would deliver “noticeable benefits for our region – reducing congestion and boosting the wider economy”.
They add: “It will improve connections between Cumbria, North Yorkshire, the Tees Valley, and Tyne and Wear.
“It will also boost the tourism economy in our region and ease traffic pressure on our rural communities.
“Would you meet with my co-signatory and I, who agree cross-party on the benefit to our neighbouring constituencies that your commitment to this project would bring.”
Richmondshire Today has contacted the Prime Minister’s office for comment.
Be the first to comment