Today's budget has brought Dover a step closer to getting the major A2 road dualled.

Dover & Deal MP Natalie Elphicke welcomed the announcement by chancellor Rishi Sunak and transport secretary Grant Shapps that the Lower Thames Crossing will be going ahead as planned.

Alongside the Budget, the Department for Transport published a list of the major schemes to be developed – including “A2 Dover Access”.

Mrs Elphicke said: “Our community has long fought to see the A2 dualled at the way to the port. Today’s announcement is a major step forward in progressing that ambition.

“Together with the Lower Thames Crossing, Dover, Deal and East Kent will be so much better connected to the rest of the country. Dover is not simply the Gateway to England – our port is essential to the nation’s economy."

Mrs Elphicke joins a swathe of east Kent politicians to have called for the road to be dualled including her husband and predecessor Charlie Elphicke.

The MP, elected in December, used her first question in the Commons to press ministers to green light the project.

She added: “Trade through our port helps ensure the Northern Power House continues to whirr, the Midlands Engine speeds ahead and businesses up and down the land get the supplies they need when they need them. I have been making the case that an investment in our area is an investment in the future prosperity of the whole nation. I am really pleased to see steps of our roads journey prioritised by the Chancellor.”

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