Call to 'break the deadlock' over dualling of the A64 and open up access to Yorkshire's coastline
A long-running saga over the dualling of the A64 has been brought to the new Prime Minister as MPs led by Kevin Hollinrake call on him to “break the deadlock”.
The major artery, linking Yorkshire’s biggest cities with the county’s coast, can face a bottleneck at busy times and with lengthy delays in summer.
But decisions over the dualling of the single carriageway have been shifted for more than a decade.
Now three more North Yorkshire MPs have signed a letter, led by Thirsk and Malton MP Mr Hollinrake, calling for action to “turn ambition into reality”.
Among signatories are Julian Sturdy for York Outer, Tom Gordon for Harrogate and Knaresborough, and Alec Shelbrooke for Wetherby.
This is a “vital economic artery” for the region, the letter says, with delays creating congestion and standing as a barrier to business investment and tourism.
“Despite the Government recognising the A64’s strategic importance we are still – over 10 years on – waiting for a clear route to delivery,” it reads. “The establishment of No10 North presents an opportunity to break that deadlock.
“Dualling the A64 would improve safety and journey times, strengthen connections between York and our coastal and rural communities and, crucially, unlock investment, productivity and growth across North Yorkshire.”
The long-awaited upgrade has seen cross-party support.
Campaigners have battled for decades over the dualling of the major road, arguing it would open up access to the coast for the whole county and unlock investment.
But it was confirmed in March under Labour’s previous leader that no central Government funding will be made available for at least another five years.
As a £27bn investment plan was revealed, it emerged the A64 had once again been overlooked.
Wakefield MP Simon Lightwood, then Roads Minister, told The Yorkshire Post at the time that some “difficult choices” had to be made over unfunded schemes.
“The A64, I'm afraid, won’t be on the list on this occasion,” he said.
“But what I would say is that we will be working with the mayor, working with local leaders to consider what more we can do to support that.”
Now, with a new Prime Minister in post, the North Yorkshire MPs call on the No10 North team to work with them to establish a “clear route” towards its deliver.
This must be a “priority”, it warns, with an opportunity for Government to demonstrate its commitment to Northern growth in a “tangible way”.
Mr Hollinrake, sharing the letter online, said: “The A64 has held back our communities for far too long.
“If No10 North is serious about delivering growth across every postcode which it has made clear it is in a letter sent to all MPs this month, then the A64 is an obvious place to start.
“We want to work constructively with the Government to finally get this vital project moving.”
The Cabinet office was approached for comment.