Support for Road Users 2026-02-12
2026-02-12
TAGS
Response quality
Questions & Answers
Q1
Partial Answer
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Context
The MP expressed concern over road safety incidents in his constituency, specifically mentioning a car accident at the McDonald's roundabout where no one was injured. He noted that the A50 corridor needs urgent upgrades.
What steps she is taking to support road users? In a recent incident at Uttoxeter's McDonald's roundabout, a car lost control and ploughed into the restaurant seating area. That is a collision hotspot, and the incident presents further evidence that the A50 needs to be urgently upgraded. What steps is the Minister taking to make roundabouts and roads like the A50 safer?
Improvements to junctions across the A50 corridor in Staffordshire are being considered as part of the pipeline of potential future major enhancements to the strategic road network. He is undoubtedly the A50's greatest champion, and he will not have long to wait for news, as we will say more when RIS3 is published next month.
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Assessment & feedback
Did not specify concrete steps or timeline for upgrading roundabouts on the A50
Response accuracy
Q2
Partial Answer
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Context
The MP highlighted severe traffic congestion on the A13 and A217 in south Essex during peak hours, indicating that the proposed lower Thames crossing could alleviate this issue. He questioned Labour's previous commitment to private funding for the project.
Essex man and woman love their cars, but the A13 and the A217 in south Essex are at 99% capacity during the morning and evening peaks—they are maxed out. The proposed lower Thames crossing would help, and although Labour now says that the crossing will be 90% privately funded, it will not say by whom. For the fourth time of asking in this Chamber, which companies, banks or other financial institutions will now pay for the lower Thames crossing? Many people in Essex are beginning to believe that Labour will never, ever build it.
That is just not true. I can assure the right hon. Gentleman that the Government are determined to provide the road infrastructure that the public want. We are providing public funding to start that project.
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Assessment & feedback
Did not specify which companies, banks or financial institutions will pay for 90% of the lower Thames crossing
That Is Just Not True.
Response accuracy
Q3
Partial Answer
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Context
The MP raised concern over the increasing number of motor vehicle thefts in the UK, noting a 75% increase over the past decade. He emphasized that much of this theft occurs through weaknesses in remote key fobs.
Over 130,000 motor vehicles are now stolen every year in the UK; there has been a 75% increase in England and Wales in a decade. Much of that theft happens through the exploitation of weaknesses in remote key fobs. Does the Minister agree that this crime trend is a major risk for users of motorised vehicles on our roads, and what steps will her Department and its agencies take to improve vehicle and fob design standards and regulation, as well as driver awareness, to prevent such crimes?
The hon. Member raises an important question. Our Department works closely with our colleagues in the Home Office to tackle crime of that sort. The Minister with responsibility for roads, my hon. Friend the Member for Wakefield and Rothwell (Simon Lightwood), would be happy to write to him about those regulations.
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Assessment & feedback
Did not specify concrete steps or timeline to improve vehicle and key fob design standards and regulation
Response accuracy
Q4
Partial Answer
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Context
The MP noted the importance of road safety, mentioning a recent incident at Uttoxeter's McDonald's roundabout where no one was injured despite a car crashing into the restaurant. He expressed hope for improvements in RIS3.
In a recent incident at Uttoxeter's McDonald's roundabout, a car lost control and ploughed into the restaurant seating area. That is a collision hotspot, and the incident presents further evidence that the A50 needs to be urgently upgraded. I hope that there will be good news in RIS3—the third road investment strategy. What steps is the Minister taking to make roundabouts and roads like the A50 safer?
I am sorry to hear about that incident. I share my hon. Friend's relief that no one was injured. Improvements to junctions across the A50 corridor in Staffordshire are being considered as part of the pipeline of potential future major enhancements to the strategic road network.
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Assessment & feedback
Did not specify concrete steps or timeline for improvements based on RIS3
Response accuracy