Commons Sense

House of Commons · Adjournment Debate

Stourport Relief Road Fund 2025-01-21

21 January 2025 · 1 other contributor

Opened by Mark Garnier Con Wyre Forest

Transport

Summarised by AI from the official record, so it can contain mistakes.

Read the full transcript on Parliament.uk

At a glance

Mark Garnier raised concerns about stourport relief road fund 2025-01-21 in the House of Commons. A government minister responded. Other MPs also contributed.

Key points

  • Concerns raised about traffic congestion in Worcestershire due to limited River Severn crossing points and inadequate infrastructure
  • Recent flood defence works have worsened traffic issues around Bewdley
  • Proposed Stourport relief road aims to ease traffic pressures and boost economic growth by improving infrastructure

How the debate unfolded

MPs spoke in turn to share their views and ask questions. Here's what each person said.

Opened the debate

Mark Garnier Con Wyre Forest

It is a great pleasure to raise the issue of the Stourport relief road in this Adjournment debate. Worcestershire, particularly Wyre Forest, faces significant traffic congestion issues due to limited crossing points over the River Severn and inadequate infrastructure. The recent flood defence works have exacerbated these problems, especially around Bewdley. With an expected increase in population due to new housing developments, there is a pressing need for a Stourport relief road to alleviate traffic pressures. This proposed road would provide a major route to Wales and stimulate economic growth by improving local infrastructure.

Other contributors (1)
  • Jim Shannon DUP Strangford

    I commend the hon. Gentleman for bringing this issue forward, as it mirrors concerns in my constituency where we are also advocating for a bypass to stimulate economic growth.

Government Response

Not provided in the transcript

Minister's response is not available in the given transcript. The hon. Member for Wyre Forest was congratulated by Lilian Greenwood on securing the debate, and she assured him that this Government understands the great importance of transport to local economies across the country. The minister highlighted significant road investment throughout Worcestershire, including a £43 million project to upgrade and improve capacity on the A38 in Bromsgrove and the A4440 Worcester southern link road receiving £54.5 million for upgrades. She emphasised the commitment of this Government to maintaining and renewing England’s roads with an interim settlement of £29.5 million for Worcestershire in 2025-26, marking a 50% increase in funding from the previous year. The minister also discussed improvements to railway infrastructure such as the new Worcestershire Parkway station, opened in 2020, and the benefits it brings to Kidderminster with £4.3 million growth deal funding. She mentioned that this Government are committed to improving local bus services by allocating funding of £9.3 million for Worcestershire in the coming year. Additionally, she discussed the importance of walking and cycling infrastructure plans being developed across Worcestershire towns. Regarding the proposed Stourport relief road, the minister acknowledged the challenges but emphasised that it is up to Worcestershire county council to decide on local road schemes based on strategic transport plans and future priorities. She assured the hon. Member that her officials would be happy to provide additional help and support for developing convincing cases when future funding programmes become available.

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