Major route improvements ‘win Moorlands backing’
Think tank urging Government on funding
MORE than three-quarters of people in the Staffordshire Moorlands are backing a masterplan to improve the A50 and A500, according to a new survey.
Midlands Connect says the nine schemes proposed for the key strategic route between Stoke-on-trent and Derby could add £12billion to the region’s economy over the next 60 years, help create more than 12,000 jobs and slash journey times by 30 minutes.
The transport think tank and its partners are urging the Government to fund the schemes over the next three Road Investment Strategies (RIS), up to 2040.
As part of its efforts, Midlands Connect commissioned a survey of 800 people in Newcastle, the Moorlands, Stafford and East Staffordshire.
The research by Yougov, found 72 per cent of people supported the plans, while four per cent opposed them.
Support was highest in the Staffordshire Moorlands (77 per cent) and lowest in Stafford (65 per cent). Newcastle and East Staffordshire both saw support of 73 per cent.
Forty-three per cent of those asked thought the schemes would reduce journey times for them and their familes, while 70 per cent agreed the upgrade plan would have wider benefits, such as reducing congestion.
Ninety per cent agreed road safety should be taken into account when improving roads, and 61 per cent agreed climate change was a major factor to think about in regards to road improvements.
Midlands Connect and its partners are proposing Junction 15 of the M6 and the central section around Uttoxeter as the priorities for RIS 3, which will run from 2025 to 2030. If the funding bid is successful, the first phase of work could start as early as 2025.
Midlands Connect head of roads Swati Mittal said: “It is great to see our work given the thumbs up and being supported by residents to such a degree. This research will now play a key role in helping to make the case for investment in the A50/A500.
“Midlands Connect will now work with Government and national bodies like National Highways to seek their support in progressing at pace with our proposals ensuring the businesses, communities, towns and cities it serves are able to reach their potential and benefit from sustainable growth, healthier living and prosperity for decades to come.”
Staffordshire County Council’s deputy leader Philip White said: “The upgrade of the A50/A500 corridor will make a major contribution to the future growth not only of Staffordshire but also the Midlands and wider UK economy.” He added: “The planned improvements form part of a wider proposal to enhance the productivity of a corridor which is home to many of the country’s leading manufacturers that has huge potential to boost the local and national economy. We’re pleased they have received overwhelming backing from local communities.”