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M1: Junction 28
11 January 2023
Lead MP
Mark Fletcher
Responding Minister
Richard Holden
Tags
Transport
Word Count: 7460
Other Contributors: 4
At a Glance
Mark Fletcher raised concerns about m1: junction 28 in Westminster Hall. A government minister responded.
Key Requests to Government:
The MP asks the Government to urgently consider funding improvements for junction 28 as part of the Road Investment Strategy (RIS3), or ideally, to approve it immediately due to its clear benefits and alignment with levelling up objectives.
How the Debate Unfolded
MPs spoke in turn to share their views and ask questions. Here's what each person said:
Lead Contributor
Opened the debate
The MP is concerned about the poor condition and safety of junction 28 on the M1, which has led to numerous delays, accidents, and environmental issues. He mentions that around 29% of local residents consider the junction very unsafe, with 41% considering it simply unsafe, highlighting a serious issue with air quality due to stationary traffic causing an 'environmental disaster'. Furthermore, he notes significant economic costs from daily traffic delays estimated at over £4.5 million annually.
Esther McVey
Con
Tatton
Order. We look forward to future debates on other junctions on the M1, but the question today is that this House has considered the potential merits of improvements to junction 28 of the M1.
Gill Furniss
Lab
Sheffield Brightside and Hillsborough
Ms Gill Furniss highlighted the importance of motorways to the British economy, expressing concern over the cuts in transport budget which have led to a backlog of repairs costing over £12 billion. She mentioned that preventive maintenance is 20 times less expensive than reactive maintenance and pointed out that nine in ten road users had experienced pothole issues within the past year.
Lee Anderson
Reform
Ashfield
The speaker highlighted the importance of improving junction 28 for economic development and infrastructure in areas like Ashfield, Bolsover, and Amber Valley. He mentioned that businesses are setting up in the area but face substandard roads and a motorway junction that is not fit for purpose due to heavy traffic. Lee Anderson also called on the Minister to consider additional funding formulas for road repairs near major junctions and expressed frustration over cycle lane installations when more urgent infrastructure needs exist.
Nigel Mills
Con
Wygan and Leigh
The congestion at M1 junction 28 is a daily problem, causing delays of several miles in every direction. It impacts the lives of people living near the A38 with noise and fumes during busy times. The economic case for improvements is compelling as it affects new housing and industrial development prospects. There are solutions that could be implemented without significant cost.
Government Response
Richard Holden
Government Response
Mr Holden acknowledged the importance of junction 28 in connecting communities and stated that it is a crucial part of Britain's road network. He highlighted the significant investment made by the Government, with £15.2 billion invested between 2015-2020 and nearly double that amount for the current period until 2025. Mr Holden emphasised the ongoing work to prepare for the third road investment strategy (RIS3) beyond 2025, noting extensive analysis and preliminary study work on junction 28 by National Highways. He urged engagement with National Highways as its findings are shared, encouraging local stakeholders to continue advocating for improvements as RIS3 develops over the coming year.
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Assessment & feedback
Summary accuracy
About Westminster Hall Debates
Westminster Hall debates are a chance for MPs to raise important issues affecting their constituents and get a response from a government minister. Unlike Prime Minister's Questions, these debates are more in-depth and collaborative. The MP who secured the debate speaks first, other MPs can contribute, and a minister responds with the government's position.