North Northumberland MP David Smith is pushing for practical safety upgrades on the A1 after plans to dual the road were canceled
North Northumberland: David Smith, the local MP, recently had a chat with some ministers about making the A1 safer. He’s all for sensible improvements, especially since the plans to dual the road were scrapped.
He met with Lilian Greenwood, the Minister for the Future of Roads, to discuss what can be done. It’s been a decade since any safety upgrades were made on that road, and folks are getting anxious.
Just last month, the government decided against dualling 13 miles of the A1 north of Morpeth, calling it “poor value for money.” That’s a hefty price tag of over £500 million, so it’s no wonder they pulled the plug.
Smith sees a real chance to tackle some of the worst junctions on the A1. He’s heard from many constituents that road safety is their top concern, and he’s determined to keep pushing this issue in London.
He’s clear about not making the same mistakes as the Conservatives, who often over-promise and under-deliver. Smith wants to work with everyone to find practical, cost-effective solutions for the A1.
He’s also optimistic about the government’s new national road safety strategy, which aligns perfectly with his goals for the A1. His talks with National Highways and the Department for Transport have been encouraging.
Funding for road improvements is expected to be announced in the upcoming Spending Review, so there’s hope on the horizon.
Meanwhile, Coun Scott Dickinson, the Labour leader in Northumberland, welcomed Greenwood to Blyth. He’s been advocating for extra funds to fix the roads and tackle those pesky potholes.
He believes this investment will not only protect residents’ vehicles but also improve the overall infrastructure in the area.
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