HUNTINGDON MP Jonathan Djanogly has had it confirmed in writing that money for the new A14 toll road has been set aside by the Government.

Stephen Hammond, Secretary of State for Transport, wrote to Mr Djanogly in response to a number of questions the MP raised about the scheme.

Mr Hammond wrote: “The Chief Secretary confirmed the Government funding element of the scheme in his speech on June 27. [He] also announced that we will be bringing forward the planned start by almost two years. This means construction could begin in 2016, subject to completion of statutory processes.

“The Highways Agency is planning a consultation this year on the A14 proposals in line with a programme to submit a development consent order application in the second half of 2014. This consultation will set out the tolling proposal and the scheme options and will inform the option that is taken through the development consent order.

“We will provide a firmer timetable for delivery, including when contractors are likely to be appointed, in the autumn.”

The Highways Agency said it had no start date for the consultation.