I received no less than three letters from Transport Ministers this week as they cleared their desks ahead of the Election. They were writing in response to conversations I have had with them, and in response to formal submissions I have made, about motorway improvements and noise reduction.
The Minister of State, John Hayes, wrote to confirm that the Highways Agency are submitting an application for development consent for the smart motorway M4 junctions 3 to 12 by 30 March. If the Planning Inspectorate accepts, individuals can register with the Planning Inspectorate as an interested party so they can engage with the rest of the planning process.
John Hayes also wrote about the Junction 10 M4 Pinchpoint improvement scheme, currently being paid for by central government. He said completion had been delayed until June 2015, owing to concerns to look after wildlife at the site.
The Secretary of State wrote to confirm that all M4 lanes, as requested, will be treated with the noise reducing surface, and to show his personal interest in the discussions I and my office are currently having with Transport Department officials about additional noise barriers.
March 30, 2015
Such a lot of action in one week.
Just shows things can be moved along (rather than just sitting in a file) if the will is there.