Highways Agency reports back on progress

Police and Crime Commissioner, Tim Passmore and County Councillor, Graham Newman met with the divisional director for Network Delivery & Development East of the Highways Agency, Catherine Brookes in Cambridge this week (June 9) for an update following the A14 summit earlier in the year.

“It was a very positive meeting, said Tim Passmore. “ I was very pleased to hear that the Highway Agency is really listening to the concerns of Suffolk.”
The reduced speed limit on the A14 over the Orwell Bridge will be in place later in the year and this will be followed by the addition of average speed cameras next year. A programme of cats-eye replacement is underway between Bury St Edmunds and Wherstead and traffic planning for diversions through Ipswich is also being worked on.
Tim added, “This improved relationship with the Highways Agency is beginning to show real benefit for us all. The A14 is a major artery of national and international significance and it is crucially important that we work together to keep it flowing.”
Cllr Graham Newman said, “It is very encouraging that the Highways Agency is responding so directly to issues raised in the original summit meeting.
“Any traffic hold-up on the A14 has a direct impact on the county’s road network, so it is really important that we work together to identify solutions. Traffic congestion in our towns and villages is a huge problem if traffic is diverted off the A14 and it is very useful to have these regular updates with the Highways Agency so we can tackle the issues head-on.”
Chief Inspector Chris Spinks, head of roads policing updated the group on accident clearance and highlighted the good practice that is on-going between the Constabulary and the Highways Agency’s new contractor Amey. Improved communications has led to quicker clearance and repair of the carriageway following collisions.

Attendees at the meeting:

Catherine Brookes Divisional Director for Network Delivery & Development East, HA
Iain Semple Asset Delivery Manager, Highways Agency
Tim Passmore Suffolk Police & Crime Commissioner
Sandra Graffham Communications Manager, Office of the Police & Crime Commissioner
Chris Spinks Chief Inspector, Suffolk Constabulary
Cllr Graham Newman Cabinet Member for Roads, Transport and Planning
Peter Grimm Strategic Traffic Manager, Suffolk County Council