Commons Sense

House of Commons · Ministers' Questions

Strategic Importance of the A5

Thursday 24 November 2022 · 3 questions

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

Read the full transcript on Parliament.uk

At a glance

Answered 2 Partly answered 1 Not answered 0

Key points

  • The Department and Minister recognize the strategic importance of the A5 to both the regional and national economy.
  • The Minister will ensure officials consider a report highlighting the need for improvements to the A5.
  • Meetings are ongoing to roll out more electric vehicle charging points across the country, including rapid charge points.

Topics (select to filter)

Questions & Answers

Q1 Luke Evans Con Hinckley and Bosworth
Transport
Context

The MP questioned the government's assessment of the A5's strategic importance to the regional and national economy.

Question

What assessment his Department has made of the strategic importance of the A5 in the midlands to the national economy and transport network?

Answer from Richard Holden

The Department and I recognise the significant strategic importance of the A5 to both the regional and national economy, which is why we continue to work with regional partners such as Midlands Connect to consider options to improve the route as part of our third road investment strategy—RIS3—investment plans.

Answered
Was this summary accurate? Tell us

How accurate was this summary? (1 = poor, 5 = spot on)

Q2 Luke Evans Con Hinckley and Bosworth
Economy Transport
Context

The MP highlighted Midlands Connect's report indicating high accident rates on the A5, requesting a meeting with the Minister to discuss road improvement.

Question

I am grateful to the Minister for his encouragement on the strategic importance of the A5, because its improvement has political support from the parishes all the way to MPs of all colours. Economically, improving the A5 will drive our growth and, strategically, will deliver houses and prosperity in my area. Is he aware of Midlands Connect's most recent report, which shows that, on average, there are 36 accidents on the road every year, and that one in five is serious? Will he meet me to discuss that as another reason why the A5 must be improved?

Answer from Richard Holden

I thank my hon. Friend for highlighting the report to me. I have seen it, and I will ensure that my officials consider it as part of the body of evidence to support the case for improvements to the A5. I would also be delighted to meet him and other colleagues to discuss this matter further.

Answered
Was this summary accurate? Tell us

How accurate was this summary? (1 = poor, 5 = spot on)

Q3 Matt Western Lab Warwick and Leamington
Transport Energy
Context

The MP asked about the Secretary of State's meetings with the Business Secretary regarding the delivery of more public charging points, noting that only 800 are currently being delivered per month.

Question

On all A roads, as with the A5, there is a need for rapid charge points, but more widely we need more public charging points, as only 800 are currently being delivered per month. Will the Secretary of State update this House on his meetings with the Business Secretary on delivering this priority?

Answer from Richard Holden

Meetings are in progress, and we will look further at this strategy and how we can more rapidly roll out electric vehicle charging points across the country, including rapid charge points, which are being rolled out to our motorway service station network as well.

Partly answered

Not addressed: specific timeline or commitment for delivery of public charging points

How: Meetings Are In Progress

Was this summary accurate? Tell us

How accurate was this summary? (1 = poor, 5 = spot on)