WORRIES that a major new road between Oxford and Cambridge might be progressing by 'stealth' made it to parliament this week.

But when Layla Moran, the MP for Oxford West and Abingdon asked about the Oxford to Cambridge Expressway's future at questions in the House of Commons to the transport secretary and his team on Thursday (January 28), she received no answer.

The road is officially 'paused' by the Government, according to official documents released in spring 2020.

But Ms Moran said she had heard concerns that some small sections were still progressing.

She asked: "Residents in Oxfordshire who are strongly opposed to the Oxford to Cambridge Expressway are worried that while the Expressway is officially paused it does seem parts of the road project are going ahead but in smaller chunks.

"One described it as Expressway by stealth.

"Can the Secretary of State tell us how many subsections of the expressway are in their planning stages? And does pause mean go is still an option?"

ALSO READ: Axe-throwing bar gets permission to open in Oxford

In response, Rachael MacLean, Parliamentary Under-Secretary for the Department of Transport, said in full: "I can assure her the government has announced plans to develop with local partners a long-term spatial framework.

"That is along the lines of the 25 year environment plan to build beautiful and sustainable places in her own community and the region.

"Consultation with residents and herself is central to achieving this vision."

Last week, DfT rail minister Chris Heaton Harris said the Expressway could remain 'paused for a very long time' if travellers 'vote with their feet' and use the new East-West Rail link instead.

Campaigners first warned of 'Expressway by stealth' in August 2020.