← Back to Westminster Hall Debates
Transport in the South-East
03 February 2026
Lead MP
Jess Brown-Fuller
Chichester
LD
Responding Minister
Lilian Greenwood
Tags
Transport
Word Count: 13801
Other Contributors: 16
At a Glance
Jess Brown-Fuller raised concerns about transport in the south-east in Westminster Hall. A government minister responded.
Key Requests to Government:
The Minister is asked to address the urgent need for improvements to the A27 Chichester improvement scheme to alleviate congestion and support economic growth in the region.
How the Debate Unfolded
MPs spoke in turn to share their views and ask questions. Here's what each person said:
Lead Contributor
The A27 is one of the busiest trunk roads in the UK with significant congestion and has a long history dating back to the 2000 south coast multi-modal study. Following several iterations, the scheme was included in the 2013 'Investing in Britain's Future' White Paper and the 2014 road investment strategy. In 2016, a National Highways survey found that 93% of respondents said congestion was a problem on the A27. Poor transport infrastructure impacts local economies, tourism, businesses, and daily life for residents.
Mid Sussex
In Mid Sussex, potholes are daily hazards causing damage to vehicles and posing safety risks. The council's response is inadequate as evidenced by claim rejections due to technicalities. Families and businesses suffer from neglected infrastructure.
South Devon
Highlights road damage caused by storms, particularly along the A379, and calls for a national emergency fund to support communities affected by such damage due to climate change.
Winchester
Stresses that good transport is crucial for maintaining independence in rural villages and highlights the economic as well as social impact of reliable bus services, using Colden Common as an example. Highlights challenges faced by communities when such services are not available.
Epsom and Ewell
Southern Railway fare increases have led to an 8.51 am Leatherhead to London Victoria single fare increasing from £12.70 to £17.70, a 39.4% increase.
Lewes
The A259 in East Sussex, a key coastal route, faces significant traffic bottlenecks with the Exceat bridge being the main issue. Poor road conditions lead to potholes and surface damage costing drivers money and posing safety risks. The under-19 freedom weekly ticket price increased by one-third on Monday, from £15 to £20, affecting many families in East Sussex who rely on buses for school and college trips.
Chichester
Residents are frustrated when they cannot see improvements despite large Government investments; councils like West Sussex are failing to address issues like potholes and active travel.
Jim Dickson
Lab
Dartford
Pays tribute to Jess Brown-Fuller and highlights the importance of effective use of additional money given to county councils, such as Kent County Council's £42 million for improved bus services. Emphasises the need for better connectivity in areas outside London.
Jim Shannon
DUP
Strangford
Supports infrastructure projects such as the proposed Ballynahinch bypass, which would have major local effects, boost the economy, clear up long waits in traffic, and create jobs.
Joe Robertson
Con
Isle of Wight East
Discusses the economic importance of the south-east, highlighting its strategic transport infrastructure and connectivity needs. Criticises government policies that increase costs on passengers and businesses, such as emissions trading schemes for ferry services.
John Milne
LD
Horsham
Discussed issues with road maintenance and public transport in Horsham, highlighting the impact of new housing developments on existing roads and the need for improvements in public transportation.
Luke Murphy
Lab
Basingstoke
Expressed concern over Hampshire county council's amber rating for road maintenance, similar to Kent county council’s rating, urging local authorities to fix potholes as a priority.
Mike Martin
LD
Tunbridge Wells
Raises concerns about National Highways' inefficiency, citing examples of poor maintenance on A21 and noise pollution from M25. Advocates for action to address these issues.
Sojan Joseph
Lab
Ashford
Marked the 30th anniversary of international services at Ashford International station, urging operators to work towards restarting these services for economic growth. Raised concerns about poor transport connectivity in rural areas and prioritised improved bus services across Ashford.
Slough
Advocates for the western rail link to Heathrow, which would enable speedy and sustainable surface access for the good people of the south-east without having to go in and out of London.
Will Forster
LD
Woking
Concerned about the deterioration of South Western Railway network since nationalisation, calls for investment in Woking’s signal box and tap-in/tap-out system, and endorses reintroduction of £2 bus fare cap.
Zöe Franklin
LD
Guildford
Discussed Guildford's transport issues and economic growth pressures, highlighting the need for targeted intervention as recognised by Network Rail's Wessex Corridor study. She emphasised the case for Guildford West railway station to address congestion and shift travel patterns towards sustainable modes.
Government Response
Lilian Greenwood
The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Transport
Government Response
The Government have committed to significant investments in the south-east, including £200 billion annually to the economy, supporting airport expansion at Gatwick and Heathrow, and delivering major road schemes like the lower Thames crossing. They are also freezing rail fares for the first time in 30 years, approving funding for station improvements, and providing councils with certainty for local highways maintenance over four years. Government has invested over £3 billion in bus services, £626 million for active travel grants, and set an ambitious target to reduce road deaths and injuries by 65% by 2035.
▸
Assessment & feedback
Summary accuracy
About Westminster Hall Debates
Westminster Hall debates are a chance for MPs to raise important issues affecting their constituents and get a response from a government minister. Unlike Prime Minister's Questions, these debates are more in-depth and collaborative. The MP who secured the debate speaks first, other MPs can contribute, and a minister responds with the government's position.