COUNCIL BACKING A19 CAMPAIGN
Backing has been given to our drive to make the A19 a safer road and help our businesses thrive.
Our Safe A19 campaign is calling on the Government to carry out an inquiry into the route and put in measures to cut the number of collisions and delays.
The call is being led by Easington MP Grahame Morris, who has been lobbying Parliament to take a look at the issue.
Last year, 71 people sustained injuries as a result of 36 crashes between Wolviston and Boldon, with a total of 88 vehicles involved in those incidents.
Mr Morris is calling on people to tweet the Department for Transport via @ transportgovuk using the hashtags #A19 #RoadSafety #InvestInTheNorth and #SafeA19 to press for a review.
More than 690 people have also signed our Change. org petition in support of the Safe A19 campaign.
Durham County Council has also supported Safe A19 in the hope a better roadway can support the region’s growth.
Coun Carl Marshall, cabinet member for economic regeneration, said: “While the A19 is not our responsibility, we recognise its importance for both County Durham and the wider region as a transport link which supports many businesses and helps to attract investment, with obvious benefits for the economy.
“We support any moves to improve safety on the road and therefore welcome the Echo’s Safe A19 campaign.”
Northumbria Police has also backed the appeal to Government, while Durham and Cleveland forces have urged drivers to take care on the dual carriageway.
Hartlepool Borough Council has already been in discussions with the Highways Agency to create a £18million bypass at Elwick Village, which could be in place by 2020, should the plans be finalised and financed.
The petition can be signed via https://goo.gl/ ubdhzF.
“We welcome the Echo’s Safe A19 campaign” COUN CARL MARSHALL