Online petition calls for dualling of route

Campaigners argue dualling the York outer ring road is an essential step in unlocking economic growth in and around York and local people are being encouraged to get behind a campaign lobbying the Prime Minister to back the plan.

The move is backed by the York, North Yorkshire and East Riding Enterprise Partnership as well as the Federation of Small Businesses, the Chamber of Commerce, York Professionals and the Institute of Directors.

Barry Dodd, LEP Chair, said: “...we are calling on the Prime Minister to recognise the potential economic power around York and to invest in the dualling of York’s outer ring road so that it can fulfil its potential.”

Simon Williams, Federation of Small Businesses Regional Chair, said “Eighteen months ago we commissioned research that showed dualling the ring road was the top transport priority for our York members. By speeding up the ring road, we can make it easier for small businesses to grow and take advantage of new supply chain opportunities within York, North Yorkshire and East Riding and neighbouring areas.”

This campaign comes at a time when regions are increasingly calling for the devolution of powers. Last week, deputy chair of the York and North Yorkshire and East Riding Enterprise Partnership, David Kerfoot, spoke of the need to make sure that non-metropolitan areas like North Yorkshire and East Riding were not forgotten.

Mr Kerfoot, speaking about the need for improvements to the ring road, said: “If Government is devolving money then it cannot afford to ignore the potential economic growth locked up in and around York.”

People can sign the online petition at www.businessinspiredgrowth.com/dualyorkringroad