TWO years ago, the upgrade to the A1(M) was rejected by the Government. Now George Osborne, in his Autumn Statement, has approved it (Echo, Dec 6).

Just how much has this delay cost?

However, the Government has still missed the point on road upgrades. It has made no mention of upgrading one of the most dangerous roads in the UK: the A66 trans-Pennine route from Scotch Corner to Penrith which links to the M6.

This is a vital link for the North-East and Scotland, and also for southbound traffic to the Midlands.

There are more deaths on the A66 than on any other road in the North-East.

JM Gowland, Heighington.