‘Unacceptable situation’: MP calls for safety improvements to killer stretch of A1

A local MP has demanded serious changes to improve safety on the A1 in response to the “unacceptable” level of serious crashes on the road.

Newark MP Robert Jenrick has written to Transport Secretary Chris Grayling to request a full review of safety on the dual carriageway, especially around the Coddington, Winthorpe and Muskham slip roads.

ALSO READ: ‘One day I will not come home’: Lincolnshire residents demand changes to ‘death trap’ A1

The MP’s intervention comes just weeks after the death of 52-year-old Grantham man Ian Newell on the A1 close to the junction with the A46.

The Lincolnshire County Council business and public protection manager was killed in the six-vehicle horror crash on March 9.

A 38-year-old man arrested on suspicion of causing death by dangerous driving has been released on police bail until June 30.

Jenrick said that he had received the support of Lincolnshire MPs Edward Leigh, Caroline Johnson and Nick Boles, as well as Bassetlaw MP John Mann and Nottinghamshire Police and Crime Commissioner Paddy Tipping.

He said: “Two weeks ago a man from Grantham was tragically killed in an appalling accident on the A1 near Newark.

“His death is the latest in a series of road traffic accidents resulting in loss of life or serious injury.

“I’ve raised concerns on numerous occasions with the police and with Highways England, both of whom get the problem and why people are worried, but the mitigation measures implemented or promised to date by Highways England are evidently not enough.

“The slip roads around Newark, such as Coddington, Winthorpe and Muskham are too short and traffic frequently backs up along the road leading to accidents.

“They were designed in a different era, when the road was far quieter. I suspect they need to be redesigned as part of a package of meaningful measures to make the road safe.

“I’ve written to the Transport Secretary, Chris Grayling requesting a full review of safety.

“In this I’ve got the backing of neighbouring Nottinghamshire and Lincolnshire MPs, Edward Leigh, John Mann, Caroline Johnson and Nick Boles. Nottinghamshire Police Commissioner, Paddy Tipping is strongly supportive.”

A road safety petition started by Balderton resident Amiee Fletcher calling for improvements to the A1 near Newark has been signed by over 2,600 residents.