The new task group attempting to come up with measures to improve Ipswich traffic problems, which also affect the peninsula, will meet for the first time on April 3 – with the scope of its work having been set out.

The group, set up in the wake of Suffolk County Council's decision not to pursue a northern bypass, is to be chaired jointly by MPs Tom Hunt and Dr Dan Poulter, and has now revealed its first meeting will be on Friday, April 3.

The other confirmed members are: a shared seat for Babergh leader John Ward, and Suzie Morley, the Mid Suffolk leader, Suffolk County Council cabinet members Paul West and Andrew Reid, as well as two seats for Ipswich Borough Council, and a seat each for East Suffolk Council; Ipswich Central; Suffolk Chamber of Commerce and two additional members to be decided by the task force members once they meet.

Cllr Ward, said: "Regardless of any decision regarding the Ipswich Northern Route, it is clear that we need to focus on additional solutions to improve movement in and around Ipswich to support its growth. This will include identification of improvements to road infrastructure and also analyse opportunities to enable residents to choose from a full range of transport options.

"The Task Force will be able to call in expert advice and witnesses to build evidence for ideas that SCC can consider and turn as quickly as possible into real projects. This evidence will also be crucial in building public support for ideas and proposals.

This affects so many of Babergh's residents on the Shotley Peninsular and in the centre of the district who work and shop in Ipswich and use its leisure and entertainment facilities.

"As leader I am pleased and excited by the high-level political emphasis there is now on addressing transport in our county town – the mix of members shows the seriousness of this commitment. I am delighted that the leader of Mid Suffolk and I will be sharing a seat on the task force."

Ipswich MP Tom Hunt said: "I am very keen to get going with it.

"This task group needs to be about action and delivery, and not another talking shop."

"We need real change and I am determined to play my part in that."

He added: "The task force should have a role in keeping Highways England's feet to the fire [with the Orwell Bridge], and making sure that this really is the last winter season of closures.

"We will call Highways England to one of our meetings fairly soon."

The terms of reference sets out the task force's remit, which includes looking at existing plans for Ipswich and current demands on the road network, as well as considering bus and rail service possibilities, cycling options, economic benefits improvements would bring, and identifying funding opportunities for any improvements.

A series of monthly meetings have been organised beginning on April 3, but could meet at other times if needed as well.

The task force was announced last month by county council leader Matthew Hicks after the cabinet opted not to pursue work on an Ipswich northern route.

While the business case and economic benefits of a route were considered to be compelling, more than two thirds of public consultation respondents were against the proposals, and it failed to secure the backing of Babergh, Mid Suffolk and East Suffolk councils which would have been required to take a share of the 15,000 homes required to make it possible.