To ask the Secretary of State for Transport when the Highways Agency expects to publish its options appraisal for improving the capacity of the A14 around Kettering. (163843)

[holding answer 13 November 2007]: The Highways Agency is currently re-evaluating several options in line with latest appraisal guidance. I expect a report back on this work in 2008 and we will then discuss its conclusions with regional stakeholders.

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what assumptions have been made by the Highways Agency about the number of new dwellings which would need to be built in Kettering to trigger the introduction of demand management measures for access to and from the A14 around Kettering. (163844)

[holding answer 13 November 2007]: The Highways Agency is investigating possible low-cost improvements to the A14 around Kettering with a view to assisting the delivery of growth in the short/medium term. This includes demand management measures which will complement Northamptonshire’s Transport Strategy for Growth. This study is due to report early next year when we will be able to relate its findings to housing numbers.