Member News
By Richard Chidwick - 7th July 2010
Robert Halfon (Con, Harlow East) said economic growth, higher tax receipts and more jobs would be created with the construction of a new junction in Harlow.
Speaking in a Westminster Hall debate this morning on the traffic and road network in Harlow, Halfon argued how a new junction could reduce bottle necks while still being cost effective.
The proposed junction, 7a on M11, would also reduce traffic congestion and promote economic growth he said.
"It would bring much needed regeneration to one of the most deprived towns in the East England t would transform the lives of thousands of commuters and businesses," he said.
“The people of Harlow have wanted this junction for twenty years; traffic here has reached gridlock with lorries and cars trundling from one of the town to another".
“Any new infrastructure needs to be affordable and offers value for money".
Halfon claimed that confidence for investment among the private sector was strong.
He said it was right that local people should shoulder some of the costs to reduce the burden on the tax payer.
"Essex county council estimates that the total cost of the new junction on the M11 could be as little as £25m," he said.
"The Essex Federation of Small Businesses has studied the cost of congestion and believes that congestion in Harlow is reducing economic output in the region of £218m a year.
"When that is set against a cost of less than £25m, the figures speak for themselves."
Transport minister Norman Baker referred to an agreement to cut low carbon transport infrastructure and said this would be a good approach to tackle congestion on the road networks.
But he did not agree to support Halfon’s call for a new junction, but he did take note of the issue.
Article Comments
I agree that the first priority must be reducing the 900 billion pound public debt. However, I was very encouraged by the Minister's reply, when it hinted there might be light at the end of the tunnel.
He hinted at victory for local residents, when he said: 'Harlow is well placed to benefit from available investment when the current financial position eases.'
I was also encouraged that he acknowledged the serious congestion in our town, when he said: 'traffic in and out of Harlow has to traverse a series of mainly single-lane carriageways to reach key destinations such as the town centre and areas of employment.'
He went on to agree with me that: 'Frequent congestion is the result, and the Department acknowledges that. I fully understand that congestion is seen as a barrier to achieving the town's regeneration and economic growth ambitions.'
Robert Halfon MP
8th Jul 2010 at 10:08 am
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