News

Felixstowe town councillors want to impose an overtaking ban on trucks using the A14 in a bid to ease congestion near the port.

The call comes ahead of a study commissioned by the Highways Agency (HA) into worsening congestion on the A14 and in Ipswich. Suggestions are believed to include introducing tolls on the Orwell Bridge, bridge widening work and road pricing in Ipswich.

However, a source close to the development of the study, admits it could be difficult to introduce an  A14 overtaking ban due to the number of junctions in the area.

Councillor Mike Stokells backs a truck overtaking ban on the Felixstowe peninsula. But the Atkins consultancy, which is collating the report, will not comment on any proposals because the project is still in its early stages. Atkins has previously said it wants to keep all options open so ideas are given fair consideration.

An HA spokeswoman says: "The Haven Gateway Ipswich A14 Corridor Study is in draft form, with the report expected in the next few weeks."

nThe HA will introduce a pilot overtaking ban on the A14 in Northamptonshire between Junctions 2 and 1 westbound on 12 March. The agency has promised to consult the public during the first six months of the ban.