Transport Insights

The Department for Transport (DfT) has confirmed that the “green light for over 50 road and rail upgrades” is not actually a green light for around half the schemes involved.

The claim that more than 28 local road upgrades had been “given the green light” was an obvious lie. At best, 26 of the upgrades have, or still have, an amber light.

I quoted and queried this bit, suggesting that there was some sleight of hand over the number of road schemes that have actually been green lit.

To support local journeys, the government is also committing support to continue 28 local road schemes vital to connecting and growing communities. These schemes, which include the Middlewich Eastern Bypass and A382 Drumbridges to Newton Abbot schemes, are not motorways or trunk A-roads, but junctions, bypasses and traffic-easing projects which will improve millions of congested commutes and unlock further housing and jobs.   

The DfT has now confirmed to me that the only confirmed schemes are the Middlewich Eastern Bypass and the A382 Drumbridges to Newton Abbot – a large local major (LLM) and a major road network (MRN) scheme respectively – while the others have been given ongoing development funding.

Having followed the funding for LLM and MRN schemes for years, I know that final funding is confirmed two or three schemes at a time, not 28 all at the same time.

The DfT has not “given the green light” to 50 road and rail upgrades.

Image: Cheshire East Council