A5 upgrade plans to take over a decade

CAMPAIGNERS have called for developments along the A5 to be delayed until the road is upgraded to cope with increased traffic.

Responding to a report setting out a timetable for improvements around Magna Park, the group Magna Park is Big Enough (MPiBE) said: “The condition of the A5 is one of the many reasons why MPisBE feels that the proposed huge expansion of the distribution facility at Magna Park is unsustainable and inappropriate.

“We therefore welcome these plans which recognise the inadequacy of the A5 to meet current and future needs.”

Set out in the Midlands Connect Strategy, a timetable to improve the A5 between the A38 and the M1 suggested work would not be completed until around 2030.

However with developments in the pipeline, MPiBE said local roads would be overwhelmed before the upgrades take place.

They said: “Politicians, professionals, drivers and local residents all agree that the A5 is not fit for purpose.

“The 15-mile stretch between the M69 and the M1 is completely inadequate to meet the current demands and the extensive business and residential development planned alongside will just add more traffic volume, congestion, pollution, and safety risks.

“The problem is these improvements have yet to be funded and if implemented will not be complete for well over a decade.

“In the meantime local authorities such as Harborough District Council are under pressure to approve planning applications for more and more distribution centres.”

In July last year plans were approved for a 10 hectare parcel hub to be built at Magna Park.

MPiBE added: “Until the planned upgrading of the A5 is near to being completed we feel that the government should encourage planning authorities to give priority to rail based distribution centres and delay planning permission to road based developments.”