Steve Rankin, regional director of the CBI: I wish to congratulate The Northern Echo on a major success on behalf of the business community.

Lorry driver Glen Dinning: Upgrading the road is bound to mean disruption and long queues, but it'll be a good thing in the long run. It's a shame, but I will have probably retired by the time it is finished.

Bishop Auckland MP Derek Foster: It's very welcome news . . . At last the Government has recognised the need to upgrade the road, which has caused a great number of accidents and deaths. The A66 has been a death trap for many years.

North-East Chamber of Commerce: It is absolutely crucial that we have a high quality dual carriageway running from Scotch Corner to Penrith.

Department of Transport: The commitment is there, but we cannot say how long it will take. We cannot just wave a magic wand and the A66 is dualled overnight.

Richmond MP William Hague: We have stood full square with The Northern Echo campaign on this and the announcement is a chink of light but needs to go further.

Professor John Knapton, Newcastle University: Roads are the arteries of prosperity. Delay building them where they are needed and you are constricting those arteries.

Environmental group Transport 2000: This decision should be condemned. It takes the dual carriageway up to the edge of the Lake District and will substantially increase traffic levels.

North Yorkshire Police: We are concerned about the accident record that accompanies the A66 and welcome any moves to upgrade it.

One NorthEast chairman Dr John Bridge: This is a huge opportunity and very significant news as far as the region is concerned.