Despite the fact that costs have increased by £88 million from £127 million to £215 millon, the long awaited A21 dualling between Tonbridge and Pembury and Kippings Cross and Lamberhurst is still one of the key transport projects in the South East.

Greg Clark MP spoke at a meeting of the South East Regional Transport Board in London, and recieved the boards continued backing for the project.

Speaking after the meeting Mr Clark said, “I am delighted the Regional Transport Board has re-stated that the dualling of the A21 remains one of the top priorities in the South East. While I am shocked by the scale of the cost increase, the longer the government delays the work, the more expensive it will become."

The dualling schemes were scheduled to begin in 2010/11 and 2011/2012 respectively. However, the Transport Minister had asked the South Eastern Regional Assembly to say whether they were still backing the schemes in the light of the cost increases.

With the assemblies backing being secured the schemes should be implemented on schedule.

Commenting on the proposed timetable for the widening work, Tunbridge Wells MP Greg Clark stated, “The A21 is the main road between the M25 and the South Coast and the Secretary of State promised to start work on the improvement scheme in 2010/2011. We must hold her to this."

“Local people are tired of waiting for these improvements and I am grateful to the Chairman and Members of the Regional Transport Board for clearing the way for urgent progress.”

The two stretches of the A21 scheduled for widening have caused delays for travellers for many years and with the new hospital at Pembury due to open in 2011, any delays to this vital project could cause major problems for patients trying to reach the hospital.