MP to champion M1 junction upgrade campaign

A group campaigning for changes to a congested M1 junction has enlisted the help of an MP.

Transport body Midlands Connect has appointed Natalie Fleet, Labour MP for Bolsover, as a parliamentary champion for its hopes of reducing traffic at junction 28, near Pinxton in Derbyshire.

The group says the junction is in desperate need of an upgrade as it reaches up to 107% capacity during rush hour, costing the economy an estimated £4.5m each year.

Fleet's role will focus on making the issue a priority for the new Labour government.

She said: "Anyone who lives near junction 28 knows just how congested it gets, how much that impacts local roads and how frustrating it is being stuck in traffic in this area.

"As parliamentary champion for the upgrade works for this junction, I’ll fight to get these improvements carried out as soon as possible."

Maria Machancoses, chief executive of Midlands Connect, said: "Junction 28 of the M1 has been one of our road priorities for quite some time.

"We know how delays in this junction can impact individuals and businesses in the area.

"Drivers in Derbyshire and Nottinghamshire are snarled up in traffic, with frustrating knock-on effects.

“The improvements Midlands Connect is proposing will provide a much-needed economic boost to Bolsover and the surrounding region and provide better connectivity for residents.

Firms based near the junction say congestion is "impacting business operations, inhibiting delivery of services and risking client confidence".

"We need the government’s support," said Jamie Dluzewski from medical suppliers, Healthcare Alliance in South Normanton.

"We double-man our routes coming down the route because of the delays and some of our drivers sit upwards of an hour in traffic."

Gary Roberts, transport manager at the Co-op distribution centre in Pinxton, said vehicles from his fleet were often caught up in lengthy queues.

"In time I think it's going to get worse and it needs addressing."

"It would be good to get this over the line, so it's really positive to see that the MP is going to get behind this and champion it."

National Highways said it was currently "undertaking early analysis to identify potential scheme options."

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