Adam Dance MP responds to the cancellation of the scheme to dual the A358 Ilminster to Taunton

In response to the Budget announcement that the proposed dualling of the A358 between Ilminster and Taunton has been cancelled as an "unfunded and unaffordable road scheme(s) on the strategic road network"

Adam Dance MP for Yeovil and South Somerset commented:

“I am relieved this proposal has now been cancelled as the scheme was, in my view, too extensive and too expensive, and would have remained in planning for many years to come.  

"Now is the time to reconsider what is needed to help the A358 run more smoothly. I would urge Somerset Council and the Government to look at smaller scale changes which deal with the particular pinch points, and which can be implemented much more speedily and at much lower cost.  These need to include a bypass at Henlade and changes to the A303 junction at Southfields roundabout.  At the same time urgent consideration should be given to how to make the Ilminster by-pass safer.  

"I believe these projects would be much easier to design and speedier to implement, but as these road improvements are to the Strategic Road Network, Somerset Council in conjunction with Highways England will need the support of central government for the implementation.

"I also want to see real improvements in transport services for those without easy access to car travel, in particular to rural bus services and to our local rail network."