HS2 work could fuel congestion on the A1 near Stamford

Lincolnshire’s highways chief has warned of greater chaos on the A1 if HS2 diverts traffic from the M1 to the A1.

Coun Richard Davies (Con) says the dual carriageway is already at capacity and diverting more vehicles will 'exacerbate a busy, dangerous and congested road'.

He says this will happen when works starts on HS2, possibly in a couple of years, which will then disrupt the M1, forcing traffic on the A1.

The warning comes as Highways England is undertaking a safety survey of the A1 between Peterborough and Doncaster, which is due for completion this summer.

Initial findings, he says, suggest that the main hazard is caused by vehicles running into the back of another, rather than vehicles crossing the road and hitting traffic at right angles.

Highways England, Rutland County Council, Lincolnshire County Council, the police and others have been meeting to discuss the A1’s future, with a further meeting due in June.

Coun Davies warned that with Rutland County Council and South Kesteven District Council having major housing plans, traffic levels will only increase.

He said the A1 needs more than just a few new signs but rather 'a proper plan to upgrade the road'.

“We have to convince the Highways Agency to come up with a strategy for the road that addresses congestion and capacity," he added.

Highways England said it had done a detailed study on the A1 and will now analyse the data to identify possible future improvements.

Rutland County Council’s cabinet member for planning, Coun Gordon Brown (Con) said the A1 needs upgrading to motorway status.

“This is something that needs to be high on the Government’s agenda and why we are actively seeking to engage with ministers and Whitehall departments, to understand their long-term plans and ensure that investment in the A1 is prominent among
them.”

South Kesteven District Council was asked if it wished to comment.