Campaigners meet North West Cambridgeshire MP Shailesh Vara to prepare flyover case for dangerous A1 junction at Wittering
Campaigners fighting to secure a flyover over a dangerous junction on the A1 have met with MP for North West Cambridgeshire, Shailesh Vara (Con) to prepare their case for Government funding.
The long-running campaign met to discuss preparing a case for a flyover at the Wittering junction to be included in the Government’s next round of major road expenditure - the Roads Investment Strategy 2025-2030.
Campaigners say the junction is very dangerous, with motorists driving southbound along the A1 having to cross the A1 northbound carriageway to enter Wittering village, leading to accidents, near-misses and deaths.
They believe the problem will only get worse as more houses are built in the village.
The meeting was arranged by Peterborough City Councillor Gavin Elsey, and also included Steven Thulborn, from National Highways and Wing Commander Jeremy Case, station commander of RAF Wittering.
Around 1,400 service, civilian and contractor personnel work at the air base.
Cllr Gavin Elsey wants to work closely with Peterborough City Council to promote the case of the economic benefits that the flyover would bring.
The campaigners have the backing of Peterborough City Council and will continue to meet with National Highways to prepare their case.
“This campaign has been ongoing for many years and I am pleased that the local community remains committed to fighting for this much-needed flyover," said Mr Vara after the meeting.
"This is a very dangerous junction and a flyover will help avoid future fatalities and the many accidents and near-misses that are regularly experienced by the local community.
"All parties concerned will continue working together to prepare the most comprehensive and thorough submission for National Highways to present to the Department of Transport.”
Coun John Bradshaw, vice-chairman of Wittering Parish Council, said: “We desperately need better road access to Wittering as we are a large community that is socially isolated.
"RAF Wittering needs better road access as well. The campaign has been going on for over 20 years. A1 Wittering flyover is well overdue.”
Wittering Primary School headteacher Rhys Thrower said: “We are keen to be part of a project that increases the safety of anyone connected to Wittering.
"It is an important issue and by working together with all key parties we can hopefully be successful in our aims."
Coun Elsey added: “It was great to have all interested parties around the table to collaborate on what most would agree, is a long- overdue and much needed scheme to replace the potentially lethal junction currently in place.
"There was a desire from all, to get the right scheme in front of Baroness Vere, the Transport Minister, as soon as we can. We will work this through and ensure the submission happens."
