More than 100 business leaders attended the official unveiling of a new campaign which aims to tackle delays on the A14 in Suffolk.

The launch of “No More A14 Delays”, held at Wherstead Park, near Ipswich, brought together representatives from business groups and local authorities, including Suffolk Chamber of Commerce, Suffolk County Council and the New Anglia Local Enterprise Partnership (LEP)

Delegates heard about research indicating that Suffolk’s economy would be boosted by £362million GVA (gross value added) if problems on the A14 were addressed.

The campaign identifies a number of problem points on the A14 from where it enters Suffolk on the Cambridgeshire border across to Felixstowe on the coast.

“Suffolk businesses are being held back by this urgent and growing problem,” said Suffolk County Council cabinet member Graham Newman.

“Everyone who uses the A14 in our county is at an immediate disadvantage because of the delays which mean they experience higher fuel costs.”

Stephen Britt, chairman of Suffolk Chamber’s transport and infrastructure board, said: “The A14 is a critical section of our Suffolk infrastructure with importance both locally and nationally.

“With this in mind Suffolk Chamber and Suffolk County Council have embarked on a campaign to raise and maintain the profile of the A14 with central government.

“Our aim of securing immediate and ongoing investment in this highway will be good for both Suffolk and UK plc.”

Mark Pendlington, chairman of New Anglia LEP, added: “The A14 is a vital economic artery to UK plc and this campaign shows firms’ ambition for success not only in Suffolk but for all of New Anglia and for all of the UK.”