House of Commons · Westminster Hall
17 June 2025 · 5 other contributors · 4,619 words
Opened by Emma Foody Labour (Co-op) Cramlington and Killingworth
Responding minister: Lilian Greenwood
Summarised by AI from the official record, so it can contain mistakes.
Emma Foody raised concerns about transport infrastructure: cramlington and killingworth in Westminster Hall. A government minister responded.
Key points
Key requests to Government
I ask for significant investment in upgrading the roundabouts to alleviate congestion and support future growth projects such as the new data centre in Cambois and Energy Central project in Blyth.
MPs spoke in turn to share their views and ask questions. Here's what each person said.
Opened the debate
The current Moor Farm and Seaton Burn roundabouts are heavily congested with daily traffic flows of 44,300 vehicles on the A19 east of Seaton Burn and 33,900 on the A19 east of Moor Farm. There has been an 87% increase in delays through the northbound A19 section of Moor Farm between 2021 and 2024, and a 36% increase southwards, with a further 59% increase due to traffic back-ups on the A1.
Agreed that investing in key junctions up and down the A19 and A1 would improve road safety and efficiency, highlighting the impact on people across constituencies.
Stressed the importance of investment for future business and housing developments, especially with upcoming projects like the data centre in Cambois and Energy Central project in Blyth. Expressed frustration towards Northumberland County Council for criticizing the Government's transport infrastructure investment while highlighting previous Conservative failures to deliver promised projects.
Emphasised that without proper infrastructure, economic growth is hindered. Supported the push for upgrading roundabouts to enable progress.
The hon. Gentleman highlighted that his constituency faces a similar issue with the A21 Kippings Cross junction, questioning where the balance lies in catching up on infrastructure that has not been built in the south-east while houses have already been built there.
Asked specific questions about the Green Book review, local plans, housing targets, spending review, and funding for road schemes.
Government Response
Lilian GreenwoodThe Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Transport
Welcomed the debate and outlined the Government’s commitment to enhancing local transport networks through devolution, mentioning £1.8 billion funding for NECA from 2027 to 2032. Announced £24 billion capital funding between 2026 and 2030 for motorways and local roads maintenance across the country, including an additional £22 million provided to the north-east this year. Discussed the establishment of a new place-based business case taskforce to ensure fair distribution of transport investment in places like the north-east, mentioned the deeper devolution deal and the north-east growth plan, highlighted the importance of local plans and housing targets, addressed concerns about funding for road schemes, emphasized improvements in public transport connectivity including rail upgrades and better bus services, announced £24 million for NECA to support bus services, confirmed £900 million annually for maintaining and improving bus services, committed £1.8 billion for electric vehicles and charging infrastructure, mentioned £616 million for walking and cycling infrastructure, and outlined the 10-year infrastructure strategy.