PCC meets with local MPs for Gridlock Summit

A highways summit to discuss gridlock on the A14 was held at Endeavour House today.
Tim Passmore, Suffolk’s Police and Crime Commissioner joined local MPs Therese Coffey and Ben Gummer; Cllr Guy McGregor, cabinet member responsible for highways and Roads policing Chief Inspector Chris Spinks to thrash out recent issues on the A14 with Highways Agency boss David Gingell.
The summit was called following the recent spate of closures on the A14 which have caused intolerable disruption across the county, leading to considerable distress to drivers and significant economic loss.
Tim Passmore, speaking directly after the meeting said “What we are calling for is a long-term solution to the intolerable gridlock caused whenever there is a major incident on the A14.
“We are prepared to do all we can to resolve the issue but we need the Highway Agency to take responsibility and be accountable for the problem the A14, which is their responsibility, is causing right across the county. What is unacceptable is the Highways Agency using budget cuts as an excuse for the inadequate response.
Tim added, “I am very concerned that once again Suffolk is not receiving its fair share of national resources for the A14, which is a major artery of national and international significance”.
Last year the A14 was closed when a lorry load of onions overturned on the road, this was followed later in the day by a collision on the opposite carriageway which resulted in an overnight closure in the same area. The personal and economic impact of this closure impacted far beyond the local area.
“People just couldn’t understand how it could take so long to clear the onions from the road, “said Tim. “I want to see what can be done, through improved resources and additional personnel, to enable the Highways Agency, with our support, to clear the A14 more quickly. “
“I will be meeting with the Constabulary to ensure we are playing our part in improving the situation from the policing perspective.
“We all need to work collectively to come up with a workable solution as a matter of urgency. We can’t afford to just talk about it. What the public expect is action and I am determined to make progress here”.

Pictured l-r Ben Gummer MP, ChInsp Chris Spinks, Therese Coffey MP, David Gingell, Tim Passmore and Cllr Guy McGregor