The Petition of residents in Staffordshire regarding the failure of the Highways Agency to have provided the promised and effective soundproof fencing along the A50 running next to their properties,

Declares that the petitioners recognise the Highways Agency promised effective soundproof fencing along the A50, that the Agency’s plans for fencing was either not erected or where it was erected made little or no difference, that this has left a constant noise so that it is no longer possible to sit out in their gardens, or sleep in bedrooms closest to the A50, and which has left many with a poor quality of life.

The Petitioners therefore request that the House of Commons urges the Secretary of State for Transport to do all in his power to ensure that the Highways Agency deliver the promised soundproof fencing which runs along the Blythe Bridge area of the A50.

And the Petitioners remain, etc.—[Presented by Mr. William Cash, Official Report, 24 March 2010; Vol. 508, c. 346.]

[P000775]

Observations from the Secretary of State for Transport, received Thursday 1 April 2010:

The Secretary of State acknowledges the concerns of the petitioners.

A meeting was held on 14 December 2009 with local residents, representatives from the Highways Agency and the hon. Member for Stone (Mr. Cash) to discuss the recently replaced noise fence on the A50 at Blythe Bridge and the overall concerns by residents about noise. At the meeting it was agreed that the Highways Agency would review the effectiveness of the fence and other noise-related matters and report back their findings. The Highways Agency is now in the process of finalising this report.