I met last week with the Minister of Transport and representatives of the Highways Agency to hear more about how the M4 to Dorset Coast connectivity study is progressing. It is ongoing, but their recommendations should be made in around 7 weeks time. This study is part of a wider 5-year Road Strategy that should be submitted to Government by the summer.
The study is looking to improve the north-south routes between the south coast and the M4, with various options available. I raised concerns over the status and overuse of the A338/A346 (particularly by HGVs on their journeys between Amesbury and Swindon) and how this is affecting my Constituents daily. This road is not currently part of the Strategic Road Network, and it was, thankfully, confirmed by the Minister that this would not change, or be considered as a new major route from the coast to the M4. It was suggested that improvements to the north-south roads to our east or west (the A34 to the east, the A36 and A350 to the west), may relieve some of the pressures and safety concerns that those along the A338 currently face.
My objective is clear. We must continue to push Wiltshire Council and other stakeholders (including the freight companies) to make the A338 safer and, if possible, ensure that HGVs use alternative routes. We will know more about the proposals from the Highways Agency in the coming months. I will also urge Wiltshire Council to apply for funding from the Safer Roads Fund to improve the safety of this particular stretch of road.
