Transport Secretary Chris Grayling visited Bath last Thursday and gave his backing to MP Ben Howlett and West of England Mayoral candidate Tim Bowles in their bid to improve the local transport network.
Mr Grayling visited London Road, which would be bypassed by the proposed A36/A46 link road that Mr Howlett is campaigning strongly for as part of his mission to Stop Bath Stalling.
The Bath MP and Mr Bowles are lobbying for a feasibility study into the project, which would significantly reduce the amount of traffic travelling through the city.
This follows the presentation of Mr Howlett’s parliamentary petition to the House of Commons and the receipt of Ministerial support for the project.
His plans have won the backing of Mr Bowles as well as the 3,000-plus residents who signed his petition.
Mr Howlett said: “This is a crucial project which would make such a difference for people who live and work in and around Bath, boosting the local economy while cutting traffic jams and pollution.
“Working alongside Tim as Mayor and as part of a strong team of MPs, councillors and council leaders, we can really drive forward and deliver on the transport projects, infrastructure and networks we need locally.
“Tim is the candidate best placed to join me in talking directly to the government of today, pressing for more investment in Bath and ensuring we are not left behind as we have been in previous decades.”
Mr Bowles, who has also met the Prime Minister, Chancellor, Home Secretary and Communities Secretary in recent weeks to discuss his plans, said: “Improving the local transport network is one of my top priorities.
“Having the right transport infrastructure is vital for the local economy and if elected I will continue to work closely with the strong team of Conservatives locally, the government, councils and others to push forward schemes like the A36/A46 link road to help alleviate the current congestion through Bath.”
Mr Grayling said: “Ben has campaigned long and hard to improve transport links in and around Bath.
“Today I’ve also been impressed by Tim’s vision to upgrade transport infrastructure across the West of England.
“Tim is the strong voice for the West of England. As Mayor he would play a key role in improving the local transport network for the benefit of everyone, in line with our Plan for Britain.”
