MP for Peterborough Stewart Jackson leads calls for quieter A47

Mr Jackson has been campaigning to get the A47 Soke Parkway through Peterborough, adjacent to Apsley Way and Bradwell Road resurfaced for nearly a decade.

This week he raised the matter in Parliament.

After Transport Robert Goodwill MP announced funding for road projects across the country, Mr Jackson asked: “May I make a plea to the Minister? Will he tell me when some of the £75 million funding from the roads investment strategy will be used to reduce the noise pollution that has already been identified by Highways England on the A47 Soke Parkway through Peterborough, adjacent to Apsley Way and Bradwell Road?”

But Mr Goodwill replied: “The A47 is part of the strategic road network and is therefore not covered by the money that I have just announced.

“However, in November 2014, the Chancellor announced £300 million for the A47, including the Wansford to Sutton section between the A1 and Peterborough. On the question of noise pollution, the Government have challenged Highways England to mitigate noise at more than 1,000 locations. Measures that could be used include noise reduction surfacing, tree planting and barriers.”

Speaking outside parliament, Mr Jackson said: “I am persistent on this issue (and have been since 2008) as it is a matter of great concern for people in Longthorpe and South Bretton.

“I’m clear that if money is available to fund local road schemes and the Highways Agency have identified the problem of adverse noise close to residential areas, then we need to make sure that the best new technology is used to reduce the nuisance and impact of quality of life of local residents and that’s my aim.”

West ward councillor Wayne Fitzgerald said: “I’ve spoken to and been contacted by a number of residents, who have big concerns about the noise from traffic. We are trying to get funding to get something done.”

A Highways England spokesperson said: “While we have no resurfacing schemes planned, work on the preparation for the dualling of several sections of the A47 between Peterborough and Great Yarmouth is progressing well and to schedule.”