'No need for A1 delay'

Jan 8 2007 By Ross Smith, The Journal

The transport expert leading a massive study of North-East congestion says the Government is wrong to delay upgrades to the A1 until after he finishes his work.

Richard Hibbert said it is "unfortunate" and "problematical" that ministers are linking the A1 plans to his research project.

Roads minister Stephen Ladyman has put off publication of proposals for the A1, originally expected last summer, until the end of transport innovation fund (TIF) work.

However, the Tyne and Wear TIF study, People in Motion, which will investigate ways to tackle congestion in the area, is not due to be completed until 2008.

Now Mr Hibbert, who is leading People in Motion, said in an interview with The Journal that the two issues should be de-coupled.

He also predicted that road charging would be introduced in the area - but not for another 10 years.

His comments sparked renewed calls from business leaders and MPs last night for Government to speed up the upgrade.

Mr Hibbert said: "The Department for Transport still takes that view that the proposals that have been brought forward by the Highways Agency with involvement from the local authorities are to be judged and ultimately to be brought forward by DfT in the context of a TIF scenario for Tyne and Wear.

"My personal view is I think that's unfortunate in a number of ways. I think it gives an edge to the discussion of TIF in the Tyne and Wear context that is perhaps problematical for DfT and for the TIF partnership.

"I think it would be far more straightforward for both projects if we could de-couple those two issues and I think it's still to be proven what effects local demand management in Tyne and Wear can have on congestion and traffic flow on the A1."

James Ramsbotham, chief executive of the North-East Chamber of Commerce, which has led the Go For Jobs campaign alongside The Journal, said the comments destroy any justification for delaying the A1 plans.

He said: "The Government has neglected the A1 Western bypass and in doing so has neglected one of the most important economic corridors in the North-East.

"The Department for Transport has in its possession the Highways Agency's proposals for upgrading that strategic route and yet it refuses to act upon them.

"Instead it chooses to hide behind the Tyne and Wear TIF project.

"Richard Hibbert, a respected transport specialist, has exposed this issue for what it is - a red herring designed to buy the Government time. This desperate measure must be abandoned and Douglas Alexander should come clean on the plans his department's agency has for this crucial stretch of road."

Mr Ramsbotham claimed the Highways Agency and local authorities had played a "tit for tat game" on the issue.

He said: "The Highways Agency continues to be an albatross around the neck of a North-East economy which, despite this, is a region on the move."

Blaydon MP Dave Anderson said: "If it's not necessary for the two to go in conjunction and it could be done faster, I would be up for pursuing that.

"I would be more than happy to raise it with Stephen Ladyman."

A Department for Transport spokesman said: "We continue to work closely alongside Tyne and Wear to further improve understanding of the traffic problems in the area.

"The knowledge gained through working together in partnership will ensure that the best local solutions are put in place to address local challenges."