'The time is right and the time is now’ says the voice of business for the A14 challenge

Suffolk Businesses to make their views on tolling clear

The leaders of Business in Suffolk are coming together to encourage industry to take part in a survey that will have an effect on one of the most fundamental drivers of the local economy.

Suffolk Chamber of Commerce is working with other business bodies and the New Anglia Local Enterprise Partnership to ensure the voice of industry in the county is heard loud and clear when decisions are made by government on improvements to the A14.

The HM Treasury’s recent Autumn Statement set out the government’s intention to address problems with the A14 which they then followed up with the A14 Challenge – an engagement process which will involve all key partners in Suffolk, Norfolk and Cambridgeshireshire and seeks views on the way ahead including whether the improvements should be funded by a toll road.

“The A14 plays a fundamental part in the daily operation of the Suffolk economy,” said the Chief Executive of Suffolk Chamber of Commerce John Dugmore this week.  “For far too long the need to address what are regular incidents of congestion has been ignored.  While we welcome the government’s announcement that something needs to be done, it needs to be the right solution for businesses and the economy as a whole.”

“We have worked alongside our partners in Cambridgeshire for a number of years to raise the profile of the problems on the A14,” John Dugmore continued.  “The Department for Transport is clearly now listening and we have to make clear that the time is right and the time is now for improvements to be made.”

The A14 Challenge – Finding Solutions Together is asking for interested parties to send in their views and suggestions for improvements by the end of January 2012 including the issue of tolling as an option.

“Many of our members, whether they are major logistic operators in Felixstowe or taxi firms in Bury St Edmunds tell us on a regular basis how congestion on the A14 has a major negative effect on their business.”  John Dugmore continued.  “That is why over Christmas and into the New Year we are encouraging people to complete our short but important survey to share their views on what needs to be done and whether tolling would be an option for them.”

“We cannot afford for more delays to improvements, therefore, the more people that take part the better the chance of bringing pressure to bear and getting solutions that work for business.”

The survey, asks three questions on tolling and its merits.  Please click here to complete the survey.

Despite not being the only option under consideration from the Department of Transport, the Chamber has recognised it is a fundamental issue for business to consider.

“Tolling is only one option.” said John Dugmore. “But there has been a lot of coverage of this option which is why it is important that business takes a few moments to complete the survey.”