House of Commons · Westminster Hall
16 June 2021 · 4 other contributors · 8,803 words
Opened by Richard Holden Con Basildon and Billericay
Responding minister: Kerry McCarthy
Summarised by AI from the official record, so it can contain mistakes.
Richard Holden raised concerns about road connectivity: teesside to scotland in Westminster Hall. A government minister responded.
Key points
Key requests to Government
The lead MP asks for prioritisation of road improvements such as the Toft Hill bypass and Darlington bypass, essential for economic growth and connectivity with Teesside's opportunities. He also seeks a strategic upgrade of the A68 as an arterial route that carries a significant volume of heavy goods vehicles.
MPs spoke in turn to share their views and ask questions. Here's what each person said.
Opened the debate
The communities along the A68 feel neglected, ignored, and forgotten. Constituencies such as North West Durham have seen no significant railway or road improvements since 1951, despite plans for bypasses on the A68 that remain unfulfilled after 70 years. The loss of trust is evident in areas like Crook and Castleside where residents face daily challenges due to inadequate infrastructure.
Described her ongoing efforts to build a bypass in Toft Hill, noting that local residents and the parish council have been campaigning for decades. She mentioned that building the bypass was one of her key election pledges and she has raised it with various government officials. She highlighted safety concerns due to vehicles passing through residential zones near schools.
The A68 is a critical route between Teesside and Scotland, despite being less used than other routes like the A1, M6, and M74. Owen Thompson highlighted its historical significance and beauty but noted improvements are needed for safety and connectivity. He expressed concerns about the Union Connectivity Review's approach to transport decisions, advocating for respect of devolved powers.
Mr Howell emphasised the importance of improving A68 connectivity between Durham, Teesside and Scotland for economic growth. He highlighted that the current road infrastructure is inadequate due to its single-carriageway nature, causing frequent congestion and safety issues. Mr Howell also mentioned the need for investment in bypasses such as Toft Hill and Darlington northern bypass, which would alleviate traffic bottlenecks and improve connectivity for businesses like Hitachi in Newton Aycliffe.
Mr Gibson highlighted the importance of improving connectivity in northern transport infrastructure, particularly focusing on the A68 road linking Darlington with Edinburgh. He discussed traffic congestion issues caused by a lack of northbound entry slip roads and an incomplete outer ring road, which affects residential areas in Darlington. Mr Gibson also emphasized the need for additional investment to revitalise the region's road network and reduce emissions.
Government Response
Kerry McCarthyThe MP highlighted the importance of national government investment in road and rail connectivity, criticising the lack of environmental impact assessments for major projects. She mentioned a £11 billion backlog for pothole repairs and emphasised the need for road safety improvements on dangerous routes like the A68.