The case for upgrades to one of Rugby’s major roads was made in Parliament last week when MPs from Warwickshire and Leicestershire called on the Government to approve investment in the A5.
Alongside Nuneaton MP Marcus Jones, North Warwickshire MP Craig Tracey, South Leicestershire MP Alberto Costa and Bosworth MP David Tredinnick, Mark spoke during a Westminster Hall debate on the need for upgrades to the A5 between junction 18 of the M1 and junction 10 of the M42.
During the debate, MPs discussed the importance of the A5 as one of the strategic roads through the centre of England and the proposed development of housing and business growth along the A5 corridor. During the debate, Mark highlighted that the A5 is often used as an alternative route when there are delays or closures on both the M1 and M6, creating congestion on this strategic road.
Responding for the Government, the Parliamentary Under Secretary of State for Transport, Jesse Norman MP, spoke about the Road Investment Strategy 2 the Government has committed to, which will work to unlock benefits in major roads throughout the country. A bid, supported by 18 local authorities, a number of Midlands MPs and endorsed by the Midlands Connect Strategy, has been made arguing for dualling of the A5 to support the anticipated growth in traffic over the coming years along this key road.
Speaking after the debate, Mark said:
“As Rugby’s Member of Parliament, I have long advocated for the dualling of the A5. It is a key strategic road running through the centre of England and carries increasing volumes of traffic. With the development taking place at both Houlton in Rugby and at Magna Park in Leicestershire, both of which will connect directly to the A5, the case for investment in the road infrastructure is now extremely strong.”
Mark continued:
“Many local people will be aware that the A5 is an important relief valve when there are problems on either the M1 or the M6, with traffic often being diverted to the A5 should the motorway be closed. As such, there is often more traffic on the A5 than it can currently support, which is causing delays and congestion on this key road.”
Mark concluded:
“In addition to this, I know that residents in Pailton, Monks Kirby, Churchover, Clifton and Newton are in many cases reluctant to go on to the A5 because of the large number of HGVs using it as a as a consequence of the industrial development in our area. Whilst the increased jobs and growth for the Midlands is welcome and shows that we are a place people want to come and do business, it is vital that we ensure that the infrastructure is in place to support this development.”