The proposed scheme was announced by the Highways Agency in September 2013, when the new 12-mile Huntingdon bypass were unveiled as part of a package of improvements to the heavily congested stretch in East Anglia, which carries traffic from the port of Felixstowe to the Midlands on the 22-mile route. The plan had been to raise 20% of the overall £1.5bn cost from tolls.
The FTA had challenged the planned fundamental changes to the road including toll charging (the first for a decade since the M6 Toll was introduced), and voiced its concern to the Highways Agency (HA) through consultation, saying that the financial shortfall would have to be picked up by those using the route, including the transport and logistics industry.
Explaining the decision, Chief Secretary to the Treasury, Danny Alexander, said: ‘The A14 is a crucial link to the Haven ports – which are predicting a three-fold increase in throughput by 2030. We’ve listened to the consultation responses, and we’ve come to the decision that when this road goes ahead in three years time there will be no toll. This will not lead to any delay in delivery and the cost will be covered by government.’
'At last, common sense has prevailed regarding the A14 tolls,' commented Malcolm Bingham, FTA head of road network management policy, adding; 'FTA believes that this can only be good news for businesses in the area by improving vital infrastructure which supports the local economy and provides a vital strategic national link.'