Drivers face longer hold ups on the A1

Apr 21 2008 by Adrian Pearson, The Journal

MOTORISTS face increased delays on some of the North’s busiest routes despite more than £800m in Government transport spending.

Average delays on some parts of the A1 have actually increased while Labour ministers boast of record investment.

Highways Agency records have revealed that motorists travelling in rush hour traffic along a 44-mile stretch of the A1 from Scotch Corner to the junction with the A69 at Newcastle face average delays of 21 minutes.

In 2005 drivers faced average delays of 18 minutes on the same stretch.

And motorists hoping to avoid the gridlocked route and use the A19/A168 route between North Yorkshire and Newcastle face a 32-minute delay on many journeys.

Drivers on the 75-mile stretch have seen average delays increase by almost a minute a year since 2005.

The Department of Transport has spent £832m on North East infrastructure over the last three years, and millions more has been handed out to councils for transport schemes.

There have been some improvements, such as at the A66 to Penrith or in connections from Darlington to Middlesbrough along the A66 (M).

But these improvements have only brought delays down by a minute over every 10-mile stretch, leaving many motorists and businesses wondering where the cash has been spent.

Last night, transport campaigners said the North East had not seen the benefits of Labour’s spending on essential city connections.

Rachel Spence from the North East Chamber of Commerce said: “It comes as no surprise to the businesses and commuters of the North East that road congestion on the main transport corridors is getting worse.

“While we have seen some investment such as crawler lanes on the A1 and widening of the A66 in places, the major congestion pinch points in Tyne and Wear and the Tees Valley are not being tackled.

“While transport investment is always welcome, significantly increased levels will be required in the near future if we are serious about tackling the major issues our road network is presenting us with – money has been spent but the Government cannot afford to sit on its laurels and must commit to significant effective improvements.”

And Berwick MP Alan Beith said motorists in Northumberland were not experiencing the benefits of the Government spending.

He said: “The Labour investment in the railways has not given us the additional rail capacity we need to take pressure of routes such as the A1.

“Nor has it addressed some of the problems on the A1, especially on the section through Northumberland.”

Government spending chiefs have denied the cash has being wasted.

A Department for Transport spokesperson said: “To help meet growing demand for travel the Government is making record investments in public transport, building new road capacity where appropriate and exploring ways to get more from our existing roads.”