It was confirmed today by the Chancellor of the Exchequer that the A14 is now a priority project for this government. The Chancellor’s comments on the A14 made during his autumn statement means that all options for the road, including tolls, are to be put on the table and reviewed. The reviews announced two weeks ago will look at the roads existing and future capacity and performance, focusing on the needs of business and the impact of proposed additional housing at Northstowe and Alconbury. Plans are to be developed for announcement in spring 2012. In his autumn statement the Chancellor today also announced that an immediate £20 million is to be awarded for A14 junction treatment to ease congestion and increase safety. Jonathan Djanogly said: “Today's announcement by the Chancellor is good news for my constituents in Huntingdonshire and for the entire Eastern region. If traffic looks bad on the A14 now with it operating virtually at full capacity, this is nothing compared to the disastrous gridlock we shall have when the economy picks up again. That is why we must prepare to improve this road now and why I first raised the issue with George Osborne MP and Justine Greening MP. I am very pleased that the Government has recognised the critical need to upgrade the A14 and the Chancellor has now provided a strong signal of commitment for improvements. “This is not the definitive answer to all our problems - but it is showing the government’s intention to lead on a way forward. Local MPs, Councils, business leaders and the Local Enterprise Partnership now need to maintain our campaign for a better A14. We need to encourage the reviews taking place and remain open to considering the various options, including tolling, up to when plans are made in spring 2012. I intend to continue to be at the forefront of this campaign.”