Representatives from the A1 Action Group met with Sir Peter Hendy of the UK Government’s Union Connectivity Review last week to discuss the importance of the cross-border route to local people.
The review is examining which cross-border transport projects should be prioritised to help boost connectivity in the UK. The review is looking at all potential projects, including the completion of the Borders Railway, and improvements to roads like the A1.
Sir Peter Hendy CBE is also currently Chair of Network Rail and formerly Commissioner of Transport for London,
In his interim report, it states that the A1 north of Newcastle is “single carriageway where average delays are higher and average speeds lower than other non-motorway sections”, raising hopes of recommendations for improvements.
The A1 Action Group wrote to Sir Peter at the end of last year, highlighting the importance of the road. Local MP, John Lamont, facilitated the meeting held last week to give Borders stakeholders an opportunity to put their case forward in person.
At the meeting, the A1 Action Group were joined by the Campaign for Borders Rail, Newcastleton Community Trust, and Mr Lamont. Peter Forsyth and Cllr Norman Hampshire from East Lothian Council represented the A1 Action group.
The meeting took place using video conferencing due to Covid-19 restrictions.
Berwickshire MP, John Lamont, said:
“For those living in Berwickshire, the A1 is a road used by some people almost every day – for shopping, for going to work, or going to school.
“Sadly, it can be dangerous and slow in places. Given there are improvements being made south of the Border, I think it is vital that we also see upgrades in Berwickshire.
“That’s why I was delighted to see the A1 Action Group positively engage with Sir Peter Hendy and his review.
“To allow them to make their case in person, I also invited the group along to a meeting with him to discuss the route face-to-face.
“The A1 is a vital cross-border route and I fully support calls for upgrades to be made, especially here in Berwickshire.”
