Tag Archives: GB

The UK strongly condemns the Israeli government’s decision to found a new settlement deep in the West Bank; the first such government decision for over 25 years. I am also disappointed that Israel plans to expropriate additional West Bank territory as ‘state land’, and press forward with plans for almost 2,000 housing units in spite of significant international concern.

These announcements are contrary to international law and seriously undermine the prospects of two states for two peoples. As a strong friend of Israel, and one prepared to stand up for Israel when it faces bias and unreasonable criticism, I urge Israel not to take steps such as these, which move us away from our shared goal of peace and security and make it harder to achieve a different relationship between Israel and the Arab world.

read more

If you use assistive technology (such as a screen reader) and need a version of this document in a more accessible format, please email enquiries@pca.gsi.gov.uk. Please tell us what format you need. It will help us if you say what assistive technolog… read more

The following summary of planned new and ongoing road improvements over the coming week is correct as of 31 March 2017 but could be subject to change due to weather conditions or unforeseen circumstances. All our improvement work is carried out with the aim of causing as little disruption as possible.

M2 junctions 2 to 4 Rochester, Kent: litter clearance

Works to improve journeys by clearing litter will take place this week on the M2 between junctions 2 and 4. Lane closures will be in place in both directions overnight, between 8pm and 6am, from Monday 3 April for three nights.

M20 junctions 3 to 5 Maidstone, Kent: smart motorway surveys

Work to improve journeys by carrying out surveys continue this week on the M20 between junctions 3 and 5. Various lane closures will be in place in both directions overnight, between 8pm and 6am, from Monday 3 April for five nights.

In addition, the eastbound exit and entry slip roads at junction 4 will be closed overnight, between 8pm and 6am, on Saturday 8 April. A clearly signed diversion will be in place via adjacent junctions. Surveys are scheduled to be completed in May 2017.

M20 junctions 4 to 6 Maidstone, Kent: resurfacing

Work to improve journeys by resurfacing sections of the carriageway begin this week on the M20 between junctions 4 and 6. The eastbound carriageway will be closed between junctions 4 and 6 overnight, between 8pm and 6am, from Monday 3 April for five nights and overnight on Sunday 9 April between 8pm and 6am. A clearly signed diversion will be in place via the A228, M2 and A229.

M20 junctions 7 Maidstone to 13 Folkestone, Kent: resurfacing

Work to improve safety by resurfacing sections of the carriageway will take place this week on the M20. The following closures will be in place overnight, between 8pm and 6am:

• Monday 3 April: eastbound entry slip road at junction 7
• Tuesday 4 April: eastbound entry slip road at junction 10
• Wednesday 5 April: westbound exit slip road at junction 4
• Thursday 6 April: westbound entry slip road at junction 12
• Friday 7 April: eastbound exit slip road at junction 7

Clearly signed diversions will be in place via the adjacent junction.

M23 junctions 8 to 10a, South Nutfield to Crawley: smart motorway surveys

Work to improve journeys by carrying out surveys continue this week on the M23 between junctions 8 and 10a. The westbound Gatwick spur road will be closed overnight, between 10pm and 6am, on Monday 3 April. A clearly signed diversion will be in place via the M23, A2011, A23, and Airport Way.

In addition, various lane closures will be in place in both directions overnight, between 10pm and 6am, on Tuesday 4 April for four nights. Surveys are scheduled to be completed in April 2017.

A2 Canterbury, Kent: bridge joint repairs

Work to improve safety by maintaining a bridge near Canterbury begins this week on the A2 between Upper Harbledown and Thannington Road. The eastbound carriageway will be closed between the A2050 and the A2050 at Roman Road overnight, between 8pm and 6am, from Monday 3 April for five nights. A clearly signed diversion will be in place via the A2050, A290 & A2050. Work is due to be completed by mid-April.

A20, Folkestone, Kent: resurfacing

Work to improve safety by resurfacing sections of the carriageway takes place this week between Courtwood and the M20. The westbound carriageway will be closed between the A260 and the M20 overnight, between 8pm and 6am, on Thursday 6 April. A clearly signed diversion will be in place via the A260 and A259.

A21 Tonbridge to Pembury, Kent: major improvement

Work to improve journeys on the A21 between Tonbridge and Pembury continues this week. A 40mph speed limit remains in place 24/7 between the Vauxhall interchange and the A228.

The southbound carriageway will be closed between Quarry Hill and the Pembury interchange and the northbound carriageway between the Pembury and Vauxhall interchanges overnight, between 8pm and 6am, on Thursday 6 April. In addition, Longfield Road will be closed in both directions between Longfield roundabout and Knights Park roundabout. A clearly signed diversion will be in place via the A26, A2014, A26 and A228. Two way traffic lights will be in place on the A21 overnight, between 8pm and 6am, from Monday 3 April for three nights and overnight on Friday 7 April.

Tonbridge Road will remain closed after Pembury Hospital up to and including Longfield Road roundabout until Spring 2017. A clearly signed diversion route will be in place via the A228 and the A21.

The scheme is due to be completed in Summer 2017. For further information, [visit the scheme website.](http://www.highways.gov.uk/roads/road-projects/a21-tonbridge-to-pembury-dualling]

A23 West Sussex: vegetation clearance

Work to improve journeys by clearing vegetation continues this week on the A23 between Pease Pottage and Patcham. Various slip road closures will be in place in both directions overnight, between 8pm and 6am, from Monday 3 April for five nights. Clearly signed diversions will be in place via the next available junction. Work is scheduled to be completed by the end of April.

Safety at roadworks

Highways England is working with the industry and road users to reduce the risks of working on the roads. For the safety of road workers and all road users, when you are approaching roadworks:

• keep within the speed limit – it is there for your safety
• get into the correct lane in good time – don’t keep switching
• concentrate on the road ahead, not the roadworks
• be alert for works’ traffic leaving or entering roadworks
• keep a safe distance – there could be queues in front
• observe all signs – they are there to help you
• be alert for road workers, the roads are their workplace

General enquiries

Members of the public should contact the Highways England customer contact centre on 0300 123 5000.

Media enquiries

Journalists should contact the Highways England press office on 0844 693 1448 and use the menu to speak to the most appropriate press officer.

read more

The following summary of planned new and ongoing road improvements over the coming week is correct as of 31 March 2017 but could be subject to change due to weather conditions or unforeseen circumstances. All our improvement work is carried out with the aim of causing as little disruption as possible.

M3 junctions 2 (M25) to 4a Farnborough, Hampshire: smart motorway improvement

Work to reduce congestion and improve journey times continues this week between junctions 2 and 4a with narrow lanes and a 50mph speed limit in place on both carriageways, with a free recovery service operating 24 hours a day.

The southbound carriageway between junctions 2 and 4a will be closed overnight, between 8pm and 5.30am, from Monday 3 April for four nights. A clearly signed diversion will be in place via M25 junction 13, A30 and A327 to M3 junction 4a.

The northbound carriageway between junctions 4a and 2 will be closed overnight, between 8pm and 5.30am, from Monday 3 April for five nights. Work on Saturday will finish at 7am. A clearly signed diversion will be in place via the A327, A30, M25 junction 13 to M3 junction 2 northbound.

The southbound carriageway between junctions 3 and 4a will be closed overnight, between 8pm and 7am, on Friday 7 April. A clearly signed diversion will be in place via A322, A30 and A327 to M3 junction 4a.

The northbound carriageway between junctions 4a and 4 will be closed overnight, between 8pm and 7am on Saturday 8 April. A clearly signed diversion will be in place via A327, A30 and A331 to M3 junction 4.

The scheme is due to be completed in June 2017. For further information, visit the scheme website.

M4 junctions 3 (A312) to 1 Chiswick, West London: electrical installation

Work to improve safety by carrying out electrical installations continues this week. The M4 will be closed in both directions – including Heston Services and junction 2 –overnight, between midnight and 5.30am, from Monday 3 April for five nights. Work on Saturday morning will finish at 6am. A clearly signed diversion will be in place via the A312 and A4.

M25 junction 7 (M23), Surrey: survey

Work to maintain safety by carrying out surveys will start this week. The clockwise and anti-clockwise link roads to the M23 southbound will be closed overnight, between 10pm and 5.30am, from Monday 3 April for five nights. Work on Friday will start at 11pm. A clearly signed diversion for the clockwise link road will be in place via junction 8, M23 northbound to Coulsdon roundabout and return. A clearly signed diversion for the anti-clockwise link road will be in place via M23 northbound to Coulsden roundabout and return.

M25 junction 10 (A3), Surrey: road markings

Work to improve journeys by applying new road markings continues this week. The anti-clockwise carriageway will be closed overnight, between 10pm and 5.30am, on Wednesday Monday 5 April. A clearly signed diversion will be in place via the exit and entry slip roads.

The anti-clockwise exit and entry slip roads will be closed overnight, between 10pm and 5.30am, on Thursday 6 April. A clearly signed diversion will be in place for the exit slip road via junction 11 and return. A clearly signed diversion will be in place for the entry slip road via M25 clockwise to junction 9 and return.

M25 junctions 10 (A3) to 11 Chertsey, Surrey: bridge joint replacement

Work to improve journeys by carrying out bridge joint replacement on the structure that carries the M25 over the River Wey and the South West Trains railway line continues this week. The clockwise carriageway and junction 10 entry slip road will be closed overnight, between 10pm and 6am, on Saturday 8 April. A clearly signed diversion will be in place via the A3 northbound to Painshill, A245, B374 and A317 to M25 junction 11.

M25 junction 12 (M3), Surrey: smart motorway improvement

Work to improve journeys by carrying out smart motorway improvements continues this week. The dedicated link roads from the M25 in both directions to the M3 southbound will be closed overnight, between 8pm and 5.30am, from Monday 3 April for four nights. A clearly signed diversion will be in place via M25 junction 13, A30 and A327 to M3 junction 4a.

M25 junction 14, Heathrow: communications

Work to maintain safety by carrying out communications work will start this week. The clockwise exit slip road will be closed overnight, between 10pm and 5am, on Thursday 6 April. A clearly signed diversion will be in place via the M25 junction 15, M4 eastbound to junction 4 and return.

M25 junction 16 (M40), Buckinghamshire: maintenance work

Work to improve journeys by carrying out maintenance work will start this week. The clockwise and anti-clockwise link roads to M40 westbound will be closed overnight, between 10pm and 5.30am, from Monday 3 April for two nights. A clearly signed diversion will be in place via M40 eastbound to junction 1 and return.

M25 junction 23, South Mimms: electrical repairs

Work to maintain safety by carrying out electrical maintenance will start this week. The clockwise entry slip road will be closed overnight, between 10pm and 5am, from Friday 7 April for three nights. Work on Friday will start at 11pm. A clearly signed diversion will be in place via the M25 anti-clockwise to junction 22 and return.

M25 junction 24, Potters Bar: electrical repairs

Work to maintain safety by carrying out electrical maintenance will start this week. The anti-clockwise entry slip road will be closed overnight, between 10pm and 5am, from Thursday 6 April for four nights. Work on Friday will start at 11pm. A clearly signed diversion will be in place via the M25 clockwise to junction 25 and return.

M25 junction 25, Enfield: electrical repairs

Work to maintain safety by carrying out electrical maintenance will start this week. The anti-clockwise entry slip road will be closed overnight, between 10pm and 5am, from Monday 3 April for two nights. A clearly signed diversion will be in place via the A10 northbound and the A121 to junction 26 and return.

M40 junction 1a (M25), Buckinghamshire: maintenance work

Work to improve journeys by carrying out maintenance work will start this week. The westbound link roads to the M25 will be closed overnight, between 10pm and 5.30am, from Monday 3 April for two nights. A clearly signed diversion will be in place via M40 junction 2 and return.

A1(M) junction 3 to junction 4, Hertfordshire: resurfacing

Work to improve journeys by carrying out resurfacing will start this week. The northbound carriageway will be closed overnight, between 10pm and 5.30am, from Thursday 6 April for 2 nights. A clearly signed diversion will be in place via the A1001 to junction 4.

A1(M) junction 1, South Mimms: litter clearance

Work to improve journeys by carrying out litter clearance will start this week. The carriageway will be closed overnight in both directions, between 10pm and 5am, on Monday 3 April. A clearly signed diversion will be in place via the exit and entry slip roads.

The southbound entry slip road will be closed overnight, between 10pm and 5am, on Wednesday 5 April. A clearly signed diversion will be in place for motorway traffic via the A1(M) northbound to junction 2 and return. A clearly signed diversion will be in place for non-motorway traffic via A1081 southbound, A411 to Stirling Corner roundabout.

A1 junction Borehamwood, Greater London: litter clearance

Work to improve journey by carrying out litter clearance will start this week. The southbound exit slip road for Rowley Lane will be closed overnight, between 10pm and 5am, on Wednesday 5 April. A clearly signed diversion will be in place via A1 Stirling Corner roundabout and return.

The northbound entry slip road will be closed overnight, between 10pm and 5am, on Tuesday 4 April. A clearly signed diversion will be in place via A1 Stirling Corner roundabout and return.

A282 junction 1a Swanscombe, Kent: tunnel maintenance

Work to maintain safety by carrying out tunnel maintenance will continue this week. The northbound entry slip road will be closed overnight, between 9pm and 5.30am, from Monday 3 April for four nights and on Saturday 8 April. A clearly signed diversion will be in place via the A282 southbound to junction 1b and return.

A282 (M25) Dartford – Thurrock Crossing: routine maintenance

Work to improve journeys by carrying out routine maintenance at the Dartford Crossing continues this week. The following closures will be in place overnight, between 9pm and 5.30am, with fully signed diversions in place during the northbound east tunnel closures for oversized vehicles:

• Monday 3 April: northbound west tunnel
• Tuesday 4 April: northbound west tunnel
• Wednesday 5 April: northbound west tunnel
• Thursday 6 April: northbound west tunnel
• Friday 7 April: northbound east tunnel
• Saturday 8 April: northbound west tunnel
• Sunday 9 April: northbound east tunnel

Safety at roadworks

Highways England is working with the industry and road users to reduce the risks of working on the roads. For the safety of road workers and all road users, when you are approaching roadworks:

• keep within the speed limit – it is there for your safety
• get into the correct lane in good time – don’t keep switching
• concentrate on the road ahead, not the roadworks
• be alert for works’ traffic leaving or entering roadworks
• keep a safe distance – there could be queues in front
• observe all signs – they are there to help you
• be alert for road workers, the roads are their workplace

General enquiries

Members of the public should contact the Highways England customer contact centre on 0300 123 5000.

Media enquiries

Journalists should contact the Highways England press office on 0844 693 1448 and use the menu to speak to the most appropriate press officer.

read more

The following summary of planned new and ongoing road improvements over the coming week is correct as of 31 March 2017 but could be subject to change due to weather conditions or unforeseen circumstances. All our improvement work is carried out with the aim of causing as little disruption as possible.

M11 junction 8 (Bishop’s Stortford) to junction 9 (Great Chesterford): congestion improvements

Work to improve congestion on the M11 by installing signs to restrict lorries from using lane 2 between 7am and 7pm on uphill sections of the carriageway in both directions between junctions 8 and 9 will continue this week and due to be completed in early. Lane closures will be in place in both directions overnight, between 10pm and 6am, from Monday 27 March for five nights.

A1 Brampton Hut to Sandy: routine maintenance

Work to improve safety by carrying out routine inspections of electrical equipment and structures continues this week. Lane closures will be in place overnight, between 8pm and 6am, until summer 2017.

A5 to M1 link (Dunstable northern bypass), Bedfordshire: major improvement

Work to improve journeys by reducing congestion with the construction of a new dual carriageway running east from the A5 north of Dunstable and joining the M1 at a new junction 11a continues this week.

Lane closures will be in place on the M1 between junctions 10 and 13 overnight, between 10pm and 6am, from Monday 3 April for five nights.

Temporary traffic lights will be in place on the A5 and A505 overnight, between 8pm and 6am, and during daytime between 9.30am and 3.30pm, from Monday 3 April for five days.

The scheme is due to be completed in June 2017. For further information, visit the scheme website.

A11 Babraham, Cambridgeshire: resurfacing

Work to improve journeys by carrying out resurfacing concludes this week. The A11 eastbound will be closed between the M11 junction 9 (Stump Cross interchange) and the A1307 (Fourwentways interchange) overnight, between 8pm and 6am, on Monday 3 April. A clearly signed diversion will be in place via the M11 and A14.

A11 Red Lodge: carriageway improvements

Work to improve the quality of the concrete carriageway on the A11 northbound between Red Lodge and Barton Mills concludes this week. The northbound carriageway will be closed between Red Lodge and Barton Mills overnight, between 8pm and 6am, on Monday 3 April. A clearly signed diversion route in place via the A14 towards the Bury St Edmunds, before leaving at junction 40 and then take the B1103 towards Forrnham All Saints, then take the A1101 towards Lackford and Icklingham and then continue until re-join the A11 at the Barton Mills roundabout.

A14 Cambridge to Huntingdon, Cambridgeshire: major improvements

Work to improve journeys and reduce congestion on the A14 between Cambridge and Huntingdon continues this week. This week the following closures will be in place overnight, between 8pm and 6am:

• Monday 3 April: northbound A1 fully closed between Brampton Hut and Alconbury, lane 2 closed northbound between Bampton and Brampton Hut and lane 1 closed on the eastbound A14 between junction 30 and 31
• Tuesday 4 April: northbound A1 fully closed between Brampton Hut and Alconbury and lane 2 closed northbound between Bampton and Brampton Hut
• Wednesday 5 April: northbound A1 fully closed between Brampton Hut and Alconbury and lane 2 closed northbound between Bampton and Brampton Hut
• Thursday 6 April: northbound A1 fully closed between Brampton Hut and Alconbury, lane 2 closed northbound between Bampton and Brampton Hut and lane 1 closed on the A14 at junction 23
• Friday 7 April: northbound A1 fully closed between Brampton Hut and Alconbury, lane 2 closed northbound between Bampton and Brampton Hut and lane 1 closed on the A14 at junction 23

The scheme is due to be completed in March 2021. For further information, visit the scheme website.

A47 Dogsthorpe, Cambridgeshire: junction improvements

Peterborough City Council is continuing its junction improvements at the A47/A15 Dogsthorpe junction, Peterborough. Lane closures will be in place 24/7 on the A47 with some overnight full closures.

The scheme is due to be completed in spring 2017. For further information, visit the scheme website.

A120 Marks Tey to Marks Farm, Essex: resurfacing and lighting

Work to improve journeys by carrying out resurfacing and lighting maintenance continues this week. The carriageway will be closed in both directions between West Street and the B1024, Coggeshall overnight, between 8pm and 6am, from Monday 3 April for five nights. A clearly signed diversion will be in place via the A131, A130, A12 and vice versa.

In addition, temporary traffic lights will be in place on the A120 between Marks Farms and Marks Tey overnight, between 8pm and 6am, from Monday 3 April for five nights. Work is due to be completed in May.

A12 Chitts Hill footbridge Colchester, Essex: foot bridge maintenance

Work to re-waterproof and resurface the Chitts Hill Footbridge continues this week. The bridge remains closed 24/7 with a pedestrian diversion route in place via Chitts Hill and Halstead Road. Work is due to be completed in April.

A12 Ewell Bridge, Kelvedon, Essex: bridge repairs

Work to repair the damaged bridge continues this week. The bridge remains closed 24/7 with a pedestrian diversion route in place via Highfields Lane, Maldon Road, Ewell Hall Chase and vice versa.

A12 Porters Park bridge, Boreham, Essex: maintenance

Work to improve journeys by re-waterproofing and resurfacing the Porters Park (Waltham Road) bridge continues this week. Temporary traffic lights will be in place during daytime hours, between 8am and 5pm, from Monday 3 April for five days.

A120 Colchester to Hare Green, Essex: barrier maintenance

Work to renew the central reservation barrier between A12 junction 29 and Hare Green continues this week. Narrow lanes on the westbound carriageway and narrow lanes with a 50mph speed limit on the eastbound carriageway remain in place.

The westbound carriageway will be closed overnight, between 8pm and 6am, from Saturday 8 April for two nights. A clearly signed diversion will be in place via the A133 and A1232 to A12 junction 29.

In addition, lane closures will be in place on the eastbound carriageway overnight, between 8pm and 6am, from Monday 3 April for five nights.

Work is due to be completed in April.

A120 Wix, Essex: drainage maintenance

Work to repair drainage along the A120 near Wix continues this week. Temporary traffic lights and a 40mph speed limit will be in place overnight, between 8pm and 5am, from Monday 3 April for five nights. Work is due to be completed in May.

Safety at roadworks

Highways England is working with the industry and road users to reduce the risks of working on the roads. For the safety of road workers and all road users, when you are approaching roadworks:

• keep within the speed limit – it is there for your safety
• get into the correct lane in good time – don’t keep switching
• concentrate on the road ahead, not the roadworks
• be alert for works’ traffic leaving or entering roadworks
• keep a safe distance – there could be queues in front
• observe all signs – they are there to help you
• be alert for road workers, the roads are their workplace

General enquiries

Members of the public should contact the Highways England customer contact centre on 0300 123 5000.

Media enquiries

Journalists should contact the Highways England press office on 0844 693 1448 and use the menu to speak to the most appropriate press officer.

read more