A50/A500 report on economic growth along the key transport corridor

A research report has uncovered the challenges of working along the A50/A500 corridor, a vital east-west route, linking Derbyshire, Nottinghamshire and Leicestershire to Stoke-on-Trent, Staffordshire and the North-West.

Midlands Connect has identified the road as a key priority for investment. At several pinch points, it is slow and unreliable, with average rush hour speeds below 20 mph.

The high volume of vehicles on the road, and the growing logistics and manufacturing market, mean reducing travel times is critical to boost the economy of the area.

Research conducted by Cavendish on behalf of Midlands Connect, gathered the thoughts of local firms and concluded there are four main themes. 

Firstly, the existing road network consistently disrupts business operations, leading to prolonged periods of delays caused by congestion.

Secondly, businesses are implementing specific strategies to mitigate the impact of traffic congestion along the A50/A500, like bringing drivers in early to hit delivery slots. 

Thirdly, upgrades to the A50/A500 would greatly improve business efficiency and encourage more investment around the area. 

Finally, the area offers excellent access to markets across the UK; improving the network would allow the region to fully capitalise on the growing logistics market.

Jacob Collier, MP for Burton and Uttoxeter and Parliamentary Advocate for the A50/A500, said: "I witness daily the urgent need for investment in this essential corridor. The A50/A500 is the Midlands’ economic backbone, connecting Stoke-on-Trent to Nottingham and powering the livelihoods of over a million residents and half a million jobs.

"It’s a route relied upon by giants like JCB, Toyota, and Rolls-Royce, but just as crucially, it supports countless small businesses that form the beating heart of our local economy. Yet, persistent congestion and unreliable journeys are throttling growth and stifling opportunity.

"The potential here is vast: 39,000 new jobs, 67,000 homes, and a thriving hub for green transport technology. But without decisive action, these opportunities will remain out of reach. The A50/A500 must become a true catalyst for growth, innovation, and sustainability. The time to act is now."

The firms interviewed agreed Government should prioritise improvement works to the A50/A500 corridor when considering future transport funding allocation, with many suggesting this work has been long overdue.

John Whitby, MP for Derbyshire Dales, said: “Having visited businesses and communities along the A50/A500 corridor, it's clear to me that the current situation is simply not sustainable.

"Government investment to improve the route is vital. Easing congestion and shortening journey times will benefit the local economy and residents along the corridor through reduced air pollution, better access to jobs, housing and education, and give more confidence to businesses.”

Integrated Transport Programme Lead for Midlands Connect, Swati Mittal, said: "We know the constraints this road is having on businesses in the area and this report demonstrates that first hand. 

"Improvements are needed to support the capacity and capability of this regional economy, especially when it can be done in an environmentally friendly way, to keep the traffic flowing more readily, and reduce pollution.”