Shailesh Vara MP is pressing the Secretary of State for Transport, the Rt Hon Patrick McLoughlin MP, to review the Department’s plans for the A1 crossing at Wittering which continues to be a serious safety hazard for motorists.

The present southbound junction to Wittering leaves vehicles waiting precariously in the centre of the carriageway. Drivers then have to negotiate two lanes of oncoming traffic travelling at up to 70mph.

Plans for a solution to this issue have been in consideration for some time and an agreement was reached in the last Parliament for a flyover to be built. However, the plans were put on hold by the Department for Transport in 2010 and despite Mr Vara’s best efforts to get the scheme back on to Minister’s agendas, there is still no firm date for when local residents will see the benefits of the scheme.

Mr Vara said: -

“I remain very concerned regarding the safety of the A1 crossing at Wittering. Whilst I appreciate that there are limited funds available, this is a dual carriageway with vehicles travelling at the national speed limit and this poses a serious threat to the safety of those who need to use the crossing on a daily basis.

I have been in contact with the relevant transport Ministers a number of times on this issue but more needs to be done progress this matter further. I very much hope that Patrick McLoughlin, the Secretary of State for Transport, will be able to look at this favourably.”

Cllr John Holdich, Glinton and Wittering Ward Councillor commented: -

“As we are now coming out of a recession, I believe the time is right to reaffirm the need to tackle this dangerous junction. The need is now even greater as there are more personnel on the base with families than before. Wittering village is also about to grow further.”

Mr Richard Roffe, Chairman of Wittering Parish Council said: -

“The Parish Council discuss the Wittering Flyover at every meeting. We are very anxious that a date for the start of this project is fixed.

We at Wittering are facing great danger at this junction. With proposals for another 100 to 150 houses being built it is essential that this work is carried out on safety grounds alone.

We require more homes in this area and the lack of a flyover is causing problems.”