A senior Opposition MP is claiming a government U-turn over plans to upgrade the M6.
Chris Grayling, Conservative shadow transport secretary, spoke out after he was handed a questionnaire last week, while making a journey by train.
The two-page questionnaire states: ‘The Government has appointed consultants to undertake a study to assess options and alternatives for the upgrade of the M6 between the West Midlands and the Northwest.’
Basingstoke-based consultant Scott Wilson, on behalf of the Highways Agency, is undertaking the study.
Grayling claims this was yet another sign of the Government dragging its feet over plans for the upgrade of the road.
The MP for Epsom and Ewell said: ‘Having spent millions of pounds of taxpayers’ money carrying out study after study about problems on the M6, it looks as if ministers are planning yet another U-turn.’
The latest survey follows news in July that ministers had rejected proposals to build a new toll motorway, which would have been called the M6 Expressway, in favour of the widening scheme by adding a lane from junction 11A.
A spokeswoman for the HA said the ongoing process of examining different route options was part of every scheme.
Elsewhere, Stephen Ladyman, claimed widening of the M1 would not go ahead if the environmental impact could not be overcome.
The transport minister said: ‘If we cannot mitigate the environmental consequences of the widening, it will not go ahead, so it is our responsibility to find ways of mitigating it.’
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