New A1 dualling pressure group launched
THE latest A1 Action Group, specifically calling for dualling of the road between Morpeth and Dunbar, holds its first meeting in Berwick on Thursday, October 16.
Politicians from both sides of the border, representatives from business, government, transport groups and local communities have all been invited to join the A1 Action Group, launched by Conservative politicians at their party conference this week.
Borders MP John Lamont joined forces with Anne-Marie Trevelyan, prospective Parliamentary Conservative candidate for Berwick, to bring together the many people who have repeatedly called for dualling of the A1 in north Northumberland and Berwickshire.
Speaking at the launch of the group, Anne-Marie said: "John and I know that we can persuade the next Conservative Government to undertake this vital infrastructure work by setting out the real case for it.
"It is regrettable that for 35 years, our local politicians and public bodies have failed to make themselves heard."
Her calls to make this A1 Action Group a cross-party effort have gained support from across the north east and Scotland with backing from from the North East Chamber of Commerce, One NorthEast and local businesses.
Anne-Marie added "I am pleased that so many partners have come to the table in support of us.
"We will set out the economic, safety, transport and infrastructure benefits of getting this A1 dualling done. Through my campaigning over the last two years and the feedback I have received from the public, I know that this is the top priority for Berwick, and the north east as a whole. I intend to work tirelessly to achieve it."
Roxburgh and Berwickshire MSP John Lamont, who is co-chairman of the group said: "The issue of dualling the A1 from Dunbar to the north of England has been bounced between Government bodies for many years, to little effect.
"I believe that the time has come to step up the pressure for action and I hope that the new A1 Action Group will be able to achieve this by bringing together a range of organisations.
"The A1 Action Group will include politicians, community representatives, business groups and representatives from the transport industry. I hope that by bringing together such a range of experts, we can present a strong message about the importance of improving this vital road.
"In July, Stewart Stevenson MSP, the Scottish Transport Minister stated in a reply to my Parliamentary Question that there 'are currently no plans to upgrade the A1 between Dunbar and the Scottish Borders.'
"I think the A1 is of huge significance, not only to the Border region but also to the whole country in its position as one of the main routes linking Scotland and England. Improving the A1 will have benefits for businesses, commuters, tourists and of course local residents.
"Recent figures show that dualled sections of the A1 see far fewer fatal accidents than single carriageway stretches. I believe that dualling the remainder of the road would improve road safety and reduce fatalities.
"Whilst no fatal accidents took place on the dual carriageway sections of the A1 in the Borders, the figure for single carriageway sections is 2.58 per 100 million vehicle km.
"This figure is also more than twice the Scottish average for single carriageway trunk roads. I have long been arguing for investment in the A1 in Berwickshire but these figures show just how urgently this work is needed. The Transport Minister Stewart Stevenson MSP stated during the summer that there were no plans to upgrade this section of the A1 but, on the basis of these figures, I hope he will now re-consider this.
"The simple fact that upgraded sections of the road see far less fatal accidents than unimproved sections should send a strong message to the Government that action is needed now."
You can support the campaign by emailing Anne-Marie at anne-marie@berwickconservatives.com
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Thursday 24 May 2012
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