Snow Traffic

Twenty five minutes from Harlow to Chingford. Nearly six hours on the return journey.

Thanks to a snow storm, North East London-Epping-Harlow became a white car park.

The one highlight of the journey was passing through Narnia - otherwise known as Epping Forest. There were even cars turned to stone (or immobile because of the ice).

It was a strange way to spend a Saturday, holed up in a car, sliding all over the road. Home never felt nicer when I finally arrived. Home sweet home.

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An Extra Junction (7a) on the M11

Today I spoke in the House of Commons, in a special debate about an extra junction on the M11, north of Harlow.

We desperately need an extra junction, because:

1. Harlow has just one motorway entrance. Basildon has four.
2. Recent roadworks have NOT solved the problem.
3. Congestion causes a huge cost to the local economy.
4. An extra junction (7a) would massively boost jobs in Harlow.
5. The cost of an extra junction is very modest, compared to other schemes.

I was very encouraged by the Government’s reply, because they hinted there might be light at the end of the tunnel.

It was a small step towards victory for local residents, when they said: “Harlow is well placed to benefit from available investment, when the current financial position eases.”

The Government acknowledged the serious congestion in our town, saying: “traffic in and out of Harlow has to traverse a series of mainly single-lane carriageways to reach key destinations such as the town centre and areas of employment.”

They agreed that: 'Frequent congestion is the result. Congestion is seen as a barrier to achieving the town's regeneration and economic growth ambitions.”

I have been campaigning for a new junction since 2007. See http://www.fedupwithharlowtraffic.net/ for more information, or look at the question I asked the Transport Minister a few weeks ago HERE.

UPDATE : view the video HERE.


by Robert Halfon - www.roberthalfon.blogspot.com

Czech Mates

A great evening at the Great Parndon Community Association. I had been invited by the GPCA for a lovely buffet dinner with Czech representatives from the Prague 15 District. I had met the Czechs on the previous night at the GPCA, where there had been a reception. I was pleased to say that I had studied East European politics at University and have indeed been to Prague.

Tonight, I met with Senator Jan Nadvornik, who was from the right of centre ODS Party in the Czech Republic. We had a long chat about the workings of Czech politics and the Czech president, Mr Vaclav Klaus - someone I had the good fortune to meet a long time ago. Jan expressed strong views that he was a Eurosceptic and wished that the European Union Lisbon Treaty (the EU Constitution), had not been signed. We both got along famously.

It was good to meet these Czechs, and even better to hear of the close relations with Prague 15 and Harlow - all down to the efforts made by the GPCA to build links between the two countries.

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

In other news today, I had another very full Constituency Friday. During the morning, I opened the new Quit Smoking charity shop in Broadwalk. I also met with Harlow College Staff and Students, and walked across Velizy Avenue. The College have asked me to help them in their campaign to get the traffic lights changed, so as to make it safer for the students crossing the road. After lunch, I had meetings with Harlow Council senior Officers to discuss important local issues, and Mick Patrick from Defend Council Housing.

www.roberthalfon.blogspot.com

Pledge from Essex County Council re A414 Improvements

I have continued call on the Government for action on a northern relief road (an extra bypass on the M11), having secured the promise of support from Essex County Council.

I have been campaigning for a northern relief road for many years
(see my website www.fedupwithharlowtraffic.com) but the situation is reaching breaking point. We've waited ten years for Labour to do something, but we're still waiting for the substance.

'm very pleased to have secured a pledge from Lord Hanningfield, leader of Essex County Council, to underwrite a comprehensive feasibility study for delivering the road. He has also recently stepped up the pressure on the government, by asking written questions in Parliament about the scheme on my behalf.

After discussing the issue with him, I am also very grateful for the support of the leader of Harlow District Council, Cllr. Andrew Johnson, who has pledged support in developing the plans.

In addition, I am lobbying him to seek extra investment into highways monitoring to make a strong case to the government.

Theresa Villiers, Shadow Transport Secretary, has also campaigned with me against Harlow congestion at a national level, and has confirmed that she is absolutely clear on the need for a bypass in Harlow.

I welcome Lord Hanningfield's comments:

"It is time that the Government listened to the people of Harlow and Robert Halfon's campaign".

P.S. The picture shows me with Senior Conservative Transport Spokeswoman Theresa Villiers MP

P.P.S. For further details see HERE

A day in Cambridge

Despite the weather and heavy M11 traffic, yesterday, we decided to enjoy the Bank Holiday and went to Cambridge.

It was well worth it. Even with clouds and dark skies, the City was a wonder. In a spontaneous moment, we got in a boat on the River Cam and were given a tour and history of some of the Colleges on the river bank - St John's being particularly stunning. Its incredible to think that some of these buildings took close to a 100 years to build.

At the end of the day, we went to a tea shop, trying hard to resist all the goodies on display! We didn't stay for long especially as Vanda is rather partial to anything chocolaty.

Anyway, I thought you might like to see some of the pictures!

Robert Halfon ~ Working hard for Harlow, Hastingwood, Nazeing, Roydon & Sheering. http//roberthalfon.blogspot.com

Very Good News for Harlow Motorists

Many of you will know that traffic is one of the main issues that I campaign on - particularly regarding the need for an extra bypass on the M11 .

I regularly lobby Norman Hume (Cabinet Portfolio holder for Transport on Essex County Council), hard on traffic problems in and around Harlow, so I was really pleased with the announcement that Harlow is to get two much-needed transport schemes costing £13.5m. This is really great news for commuters.

In essence, Motorists will benefit from the Community Infrastructure Fund which is set to bring to an end traffic tailbacks on two of the town's major roads. Part of the funding - £9.9m - will enable the A414 to become a dual carriageway along its entire length from the M11-A414 junction at Hastingwood to the A1169 Southern Way, with new traffic signals at the Southern Way junction.

The other £3.6m will be spent on the second phase of bus, cycle and walking improvements along First Avenue, between Howard Way and the A414.

This is long-awaited and much-needed. Everyone who drives into Harlow will have had to sit in traffic queues as they head down towards Southern Way from the M11.

I was pleased to highlight these issues (see previous post) with Shadow Transport Secretary Theresa Villiers to highlight the A414 bypass campaign when they visited the Hastingwood interchange and I believe that this funding will enable work to get underway asap.

It is a great day for Harlow and the thousands of motorists who drive into and out of the town every day.

Good news on Stansted and the Traffic Bypass

Its been a good day with Shadow Transport Secretary visiting Harlow and Hastingwood.

As I mentioned in my previous post, Theresa was here because of my campaign for an extra Bypass on the M11. She also confirmed Conservative opposition against an extra runway at Stansted. For Theresa's full statement, see below:



Extra Traffic Bypass on the M11,

"I was pleased to come to Harlow and discuss this issue with Robert Halfon and others. Robert has lobbied me extensively - and regularly - on this issue and I understand the need for an extra bypass. Were a Conservative Government to be elected, I will look at this Bypass issue seriously".

On Stansted

"I am glad to confirm today that, if elected, a Conservative Government will not allow a second runway at Stansted to be built. It is odd that Government Minister and local Labour MP says he opposes a second runway, yet his own Government is forcing it through. His position is irreconcilable as a Government Minister".

This is really good news for residents of Harlow and the surrounding villages. I am delighted that Conservative policy is to oppose a second runway, as it would destroy our countryside and add to noise and pollution. it is also good news that the Shadow Transport Secretary is now well aware of the Bypass issue as this is desperately needed. Local residents deserve nothing less.

Roads and Table Tennis

Yesterday was a really good day for my work in the Constituency. I first met with the David Smith , the mastermind behind The Best of Harlow website. He has set up an amazing site for businesses in Harlow, on the web. I then went to Harlow Renaissance to be briefed about the latest regeneration plans for Harlow. I think Renaissance are a tremendous organisation who have a determination to transform Harlow for the better. I also had a great meeting with Simon Price who is a technical long distance driver. Simon supports my campaign for an extra by pass on the M11 and was helping me out with some ideas. At McDonalds, we pored over maps to try and examine possible routes for the by-pass.

But the best part of my day was on Friday evening. With Cllr Muriel Jolles, I visited the Norman Booth Centre in Old Harlow. Thanks to the inspiration of Neil Brierley and others, Norman Booth has been transformed into one of the top Table Tennis Clubs in the country. It is also self financing as the Centre also has a range of other sporting activities and a great cafe and viewing area. This place should be in the top ten of one of Harlow’s proudest achievements in recent years and shows what can be done with leadership and determination. I enjoyed playing table-tennis with young Rhys Williams and got trounced of course!

Finally, for those who read my blog a few days ago, you will recall a Pigeon decided to do his business on my suit, in the Water-Gardens Car park. Well I had an email from a friend in Northern Ireland who said it is a sign of good luck! Well, he was completely right! My girlfriend who is Brazilian, got her Visa to study in the UK, so I was really happy. She will be back next week and I have to pick her up at the crack-of dawn on Thursday morning. So thank you Mr Pigeon, wherever you are.......