Roads minister very aware of tragic death toll on A46 Stratford to Alcester road
ROADS minister Richard Holden MP said he’s very much aware of the tragic death toll on the A46 Stratford to Alcester Road and improving safety will be a priority on dangerous roads across the country.
The MP attended a personalised number plate auction at the Stratford Manor Hotel last Thursday and the Herald interviewed him about the A46 and about the ongoing chaos caused by roadworks in Stratford.
Mr Holden said he was very aware about the extent of deaths and serious injuries on the A46 and as under secretary of state for roads and local transport revealed that a significant portion of the £10 billion now freed up from HS2 would be given to local authorities in the Midlands to make road safety a priority and this included the A46.
He said he had been in contact with Warwickshire Police and Crime Commissioner Philip Seccombe about the tragic deaths on the A46 and it was agreed solutions needed to be found to save lives and that the dialogue between the two is ongoing.
“There are particular specifications that need to be considered to improve safety on the A46 and there are similar examples around the country. This is an issue which must be prioritised and we will do that,” Mr Holden said.
On the subject of roadworks he was asked why there appeared to be no joined up thinking when it came to road maintenance projects in the town?
“It is frustrating when utility companies overrun their project deadlines and currently they can’t be fined. We are looking at bringing in legislation where they could get fined £2,500 a day for failing to complete the work on time. There also needs to be more joined up thinking between local councils and utility companies because road work projects just seem to keep happening. In addition we are looking at preventative maintenance to reduce potholes because the repair bill for these is very high each year and we need to make sure sites are properly inspected and on a regular basis,” Mr Holden said.
Finally, the MP – who was invited to lead a bidding session for one of the number plate lots at the auction - was asked what his own personal registration would be if he could choose one?
“Oh, it would be RJH 1- that’s my initials,” the minister replied.
L The Herald has launched an online petition demanding action is taken to make the A46 safer.
To call for change, please sign the online petition at https://chng.it/yPhcm6DHCf
