MP for North-East Hertfordshire, Sir Oliver Heald, has welcomed the Government’s announcement that the section of the A1(M) between Welwyn and Stevenage is to be widened to three lanes, following his campaign on the issue. The official announcement will be made in the Chancellor’s Autumn Statement on Wednesday.

The Department for Transport’s decision follows a debate in the House of Commons, secured by Sir Oliver, on the subject of Hertfordshire’s roads. The debate was held on the 21st of November. The official report of that debate can be found here, and it can be watched here.

Commenting, Sir Oliver said, “I am delighted that the Government has responded to my campaign so decisively. The A1(M) is a road of national importance, and the Hertfordshire section of it links many people to their employment and many products to the UK market and beyond. Hertfordshire is one of the powerhouses of the UK economy, but the A1(M) between Stevenage and Welwyn is leaving some of its potential unrealised, with its daily rush-hour queues and tailbacks, so I am delighted that this section will be widened to three lanes to allow this important highway to flow more easily. Following my campaign, I am glad that such a good result has been won for the people of Hertfordshire.”