David's News Extras

Challenge to Minister on A1 speed limit

In the Commons Transport Committee he asked about Highway Agency plans to create three narrow lanes and impose a 50mph limit.

David said to Lord Adonis,

"You are aware that we have had this discussion that the Highways Agency now propose that the section of the A1(M) around Tyne and Wear is to be reduced to 50mph in advance of creating three lanes out of the current two lanes, three very narrow lanes."

Speaking of the disadvantages to the region of only having to two lane motorway north of Scotch Corner, he added,

"So people travel from London to Scotch Corner on a normal motorway at 70mph but when they come to the North East everybody is reduced to 50mph."

Lord Adonis then admitted he knew nothing of the plans but would investigate.

A full transcript of David's points in the committee may be read here.

Call to help pubs and clubs

In a parliamentary motion, he welcomes the efforts to help pubs but says that private clubs such a working men's clubs are also suffering. not least from the taxman!

David's Early Day Motion reads:

EDM 833
MINISTERIAL RESPONSIBILITY FOR PUBS AND CLUBS
09.02.2010
Clelland, David
That this House welcomes the appointment of a Pubs Minister to help stem the tide of pub closures; and calls on the Government to extend the remit of the Minister to include non profit-making private members' clubs such as those in membership of the Committee of Registered Clubs' Associations and the Working Men's Club and Institute Union which are at the heart of many communities and which are also suffering from the economic downturn, the negative effects of well-meaning government legislation and the over-zealous attentions of HM Revenue and Customs.

A1 solution on the cheap

The Highways Agency are thinking of crating three narrower lanes in each direction and restricting speed to 50 mph. David says this is to save money rather than find a real solution.

He fears that money to widen the road could be lost if this scheme takes the place of a proper solution.

David said,

"It seems to me that rather than deal with the traffic flow problem on the bypass, by the obvious but costly methods of road widening and closing certain slip roads, the agency is seeking a cheap solution."

"I fully agree that the volume of traffic is far greater than the original design capacity. Indeed, I have been making that precise point for the last 20 years."

On the idea for a speed limit, he said,

"I am sceptical that the solution is to impose a speed restriction. When the traffic flow breaks down during peak periods, traffic is reduced to a crawl and at those times 50mph would remain an aspiration rather than a reflection of reality. At other times, when traffic is flowing freely, I fail to see what positive benefit would be derived from a 50mph restriction. On the contrary, motorists would find it intensely irksome and non-productive."

More trains, and non-stop too

State owned East Coast train

Transport Secretary Lord Adonis was in the area yesterday to announce this. The Newcastle service would be more regular with some non-stop, and there are plans direct trains on the coastal route serving Sunderland and Middlesbrough.

Speaking of the Newcastle-London service, David said,

"This is very welcome news. This is the first time I can remember a direct services between the two and I'm sure businesses will make the most of this."

New train operators would be asked to look at the Sunderland service which would be part of a new strict set of rules that bidders for East Coast would have to adhere to.

Gritting 'emergency measures'

Gritter at work but will the salt last? (Photo: FreeFoto)

Gateshead Council has only a few days supply left with a similar situation in Newcastle, leading to 'emergency measures'.

David remarked,

"This cold snap has been completely unexpected and obviously there has to be some emergency measures to ensure major highways are kept open."

With the cold weather expected to continue for some time yet, salt stocks are running low and new supplies are being sought.