Burton MP named A50/A500 parliamentary advocate

A South Derbyshire MP has been named as the parliamentary advocate for the North Midlands Manufacturing Corridor.

Burton and Uttoxeter MP Jacob Collier will work with Midlands Connect, who, in 2022, released a ‘road map’ document with a series of proposals for the A50/A500 which outlined how improvements in the route could add £12 billion to the region's economy over the next 60 years, help to unlock more than 12,000 jobs and reduce journey times by 30 minutes.

Research released by Midlands Connect shows that three junctions on a section of the A50 are all over 100% capacity every day and that cars are going as slow as 14 miles per hour at a vital pinch point in Uttoxeter.

Jacob, in the role, will be promoting and supporting the transport upgrades on the A50/A500 route like the Road Investment Strategy proposals in and around Uttoxeter.

MP Jacob Collier said: "I am honoured to take on this role as parliamentary advocate for the A50/A500 and I look forward to working with Midlands Connect, residents and businesses and surrounding areas. 

"This corridor is absolutely essential to our regional economy and its future growth. By championing these much-needed upgrades, we can unlock opportunities for local businesses, reduce congestion, and improve daily life for people.”

Commenting on the announcement, CEO of Midlands Connect Maria Machancoses added: “We know that this part of the region is an extremely important part of the UK’s wider economy and so we look forward to working with Jacob to put forward the case for investment.

“The improvements that Midlands Connect is proposing throughout the A50/A500 are vital for local infrastructure to drive future growth and better connectivity for residents."