Arundel and South Downs MP backs plans for new by-pass

If passed by the government, the A27 upgrades are expected to alleviate traffic woes in Storrington, which Mr Herbert agreed has a ‘serious air quality problem’.

“There’s a strong environmental case for the by-pass, because traffic rat-runs not just through the historic town of Arundel but also through the South Downs National Park. There are also safety grounds – the current road is an accident blackspot.

“Anyone who’s driven on the A27 at Arundel at rush hour knows that it’s more like a coastal car park than a coastal highway.”

In September, Transport Minister Stephen Hammond met with Mr Herbert and County Councillor for the Storrington district, Philip Circus, to walk Storrington High Street and assess how to tackle traffic pollution.

“I’ve continually pressed for an Arundel by-pass, as did my predecessor, but it was only when the new government came to power that ministers became receptive and visited the area. Now, at last, we’re making progress.”

Recently the National Infrastructure Plan contained a significant update about work to the A27.

“The latest Plan says that the feasibility study for Arundel and Worthing is ‘on track and the Government is working with local stakeholders and the Highways Agency to examine the problems and are working to identify solutions’.”

Roads Minister, Robert Goodwill MP, confirmed that the feasibility study work will be complete by March 2015.

“With this study, we now have a very important window of opportunity to make the strongest case for an Arundel by-pass and Worthing upgrades.

“I’ve urged West Sussex County Council to work with local councils, businesses, the Local Enterprise Partnership and MPs to make the case, and they’ve agreed to do so.”