Now the HS2 Select Committee process has finished, I wanted to provide a brief update on the project and the parts that affect my constituents.
I had previously expressed my concerns to the Committee about the number of construction vehicles that HS2 propose to route along the A4010, A4129 and A40 and the specific impact this will have on West Wycombe High Street and ambulances travelling along the A4010 between Stoke Mandeville and Wycombe General Hospitals.
It has been clarified that HS2 Limited do not intend to use the A40 Oxford Road through West Wycombe Village as a construction route. That is positive news.
Moreover, there had been concerns about the A4010, particularly with regards to potential congestion on blue light routes. The Select Committee emphasised these concerns and key routes and junctions including the A4010 and A413 are now protected which is a reassurance.
The House of Commons voted by 399 to 42 to approve the HS2 Bill at Third Reading. I voted against. Widespread support for HS2 across the front benches means that the plans will continue.
