New data released showing the extent of delays for cars on a key commuter corridor has been dubbed as “further evidence” for the need for upgrade, says Midlands Connect.
The sub-national transport body’s figures show that during the week drivers at peak time are driving as slow as 14 miles-per-hour between the A522 Beamhurst junction and the McDonald’s island on the A50 in Uttoxeter.
This is one of the key junctions that Midlands Connect and Staffordshire County Council are proposing to government are improved in the upcoming Road Investment Strategy for 2025 to 2030.
Between 7am and 8am on weekdays in 2023 so far, the speed is between 14 and 20 miles-per-hour, whereas on a Sunday cars are passing between the junctions on average up to 65 miles-per-hour.
Midlands Connect estimates that delays along the A50 corridor are costing £8 million each year in lost time alone. The upgrades also said to have widespread support from local residents not just in Uttoxeter but throughout Staffordshire.
Last year, Midlands Connect released a ‘road map’ document with a series of proposals for the A50/A500 which outlined how improvements in the route could add £12 billion to the region’s economy over the next 60 years, help to unlock more than 12,000 jobs and reduce journey times by 30 minutes.
The matter was discussed with government officials during a roundtable meeting in Parliament earlier this year, as reported by Daily Focus.
Maria Machancoses, CEO of Midlands Connect, pictured above, said: “Of course vehicles will go slower at busier times but these figures are stark and are further evidence as to why we need to upgrade the A50, the A500 and this roundabout in Uttoxeter specifically.
“We need to unlock the massive growth potential in the area and allow residents, businesses and commuters to get from A to B quicker and speedier.
“The benefits for the economy in terms of jobs and growth are clear and Midlands Connect is working with Staffordshire County Council and Kate Kniveton MP and others to make the case for investment.”
Kate Kniveton MP, who is Project Champion for the North Midlands Manufacturing Corridor, said: “The A50 is a vital trunk road for the midlands and our regional economy, connecting some of our biggest conurbations and employers. My residents in Uttoxeter know only too well how issues with the current A50 have a knock-on impact on the historic market town and their daily commutes.
“The newly published data from Midland Connect starkly highlights the issues with the A50 and how the current carriageway layout contributes to congestion, affecting hundreds of thousands of drivers each year. It is also the case that idling traffic with frequent accelerations and decelerations will produce more emissions and increase levels of air pollution locally.
“RIS3 is such a critical opportunity we are all working towards to secure the necessary funding and infrastructure improvements to the A50, cutting congestion and unlocking the untapped benefits these road upgrades would have on our regional economy.”
Staffordshire County Council has described securing improvements to the A50/A500 corridor as one of its key priorities.
