Keeping the Midlands moving

Keeping the Midlands moving

North West Leicestershire MP reacts to new road proposals

Amanda Hack MP has welcomed a new report, which identifies priority road projects for investment across the English Midlands.

Amanda Hack said:

“Improvement to the region’s transport infrastructure is welcomed, but caution is needed. Understandably, the report is heavily influenced by the previous government’s ill-fated ‘Levelling Up’ agenda. I don’t want us to fall into the same trap. Nonetheless, the report provides a useful insight into Midlands Connect’s current thinking. I am fully committed to working with them to secure the delivery of transport schemes that will support the new Labour government’s growth agenda – whilst at the same time recognising the needs and concerns of local communities.

Roads are important but must be seen as part of the bigger transport picture in the coming decades. Integration with other transport modes, particularly rail. Also, ensuring connectivity with local communities that reduces car use is important. I am keen to learn more about how the schemes that will directly impact people living in North West Leicestershire score on the sustainable development front, especially carbon emissions and our region’s overall quality of life.”

The report, Keeping the Midlands Moving, was published this week by Midlands Connect, a publicly funded ‘sub-national’ body established in 2016 to formulate a transport strategy for the Midlands. It identifies 17 road projects across the region, including four that are now behind schedule and unlikely to be delivered within the previous government’s Road Improvement Scheme Phase Two (RIS2); a further 13 schemes are earmarked for delivery in the next phase of the scheme (RIS3).  Only one project, the proposed improvement to Junction 24 on the M1 Motorway at Kegworth, lies within the North West Leicestershire Parliamentary Constituency. However, there is also a brief reference to the long-awaited upgrade to the A511 trunk road between Ashby and Coalville. Taken as a whole, the schemes described in the report could significantly impact the lives of people living and working across the Midlands Region.

Ms Hack will meet with Midlands Connect and other transport stakeholders shortly.