The Department for Transport (DfT) has cancelled 16 road schemes that were still under consideration as recently as July 2025, according to Transport Action Network (TAN).
The schemes understood to be affected include the Chesterfield Staveley Regeneration Route, A350 Melksham Bypass and the M5 Junction 9 and A46 (Ashchurch) Transport Scheme. Other projects named in the report include the Warrington Western Link Road, Blyth Relief Road, A509 Isham Bypass and Kendal Northern Access Route.
Letters sent to local stakeholders
TAN said the DfT and roads minister Justin Madders had been notifying local politicians and councils about the cancellations. The department declined to release the correspondence after being asked, describing the letters as “private”.
Abby Coften, chief executive of TAN, said the organisation was “very glad” the schemes had been cancelled, describing them as outdated and unaffordable.
“Local councils need clarity, not false hope, about what can be afforded,” she said. “This transparency and honesty is to be applauded.”
Coften urged councils to consider lower-cost transport options, including more frequent and cheaper bus services, alongside walking and cycling routes.
DfT says only affordable schemes can progress
A DfT spokesperson said the previous government had not funded the projects and that ministers had been forced to make difficult decisions because of the financial position they inherited.
“We can only progress schemes that are affordable for taxpayers,” the spokesperson said.
The department said it was providing more than £1bn for 16 major road schemes that would deliver the greatest benefits to local people. It also cited a record £7.3bn programme to repair local roads and address potholes.
The other schemes identified in the report include improvements at the A4174 MOD Roundabout, the A454 between Wolverhampton and East Park Gateway, the A31 Farnham Corridor, the A1079 at Wilberfoss, the A1139 University Access route, and phase two of the A1237 York Outer Ring Road dualling project.