Speaking after receiving an update from the Department for Infrastructure, Carla Lockhart said:

“The dangers along the A1 are well documented, and sadly they are backed up with tragic examples where lives have been lost on this very busy road.

I am determined to see the safety of this road improved dramatically, and have been engaging with the Department for Infrastructure for some time on the need for a junction improvement scheme that would very much help in making the road safer.

The Minister has now provided an update, stating that work in relation to the business case is nearing completion. The next stage will be the preparation of contract documents for procurement, and this will take around 12 months. These timescales are sadly the norm in the public sector, and whilst I would like to see the timetable accelerated, we can take comfort that the work is ongoing, and progress is being made.

I will continue to engage with the Minister and the Department to maintain momentum behind these much needed safety improvements. I want a safer A1 as soon as possible, to protect all road users.”