Letter to Transport Secretary: Audley Slip Road

Find below the text of my letter to Heidi Alexander MP, Secretary of State for Transport, regarding the Audley Slip Road:

Dear Secretary of State,

Re: A500 Slip Road – Alsager Road Junction, Audley, Newcastle-under-Lyme

I am writing on behalf of my constituents and road users in Newcastle-under-Lyme who continue to be affected by a dangerous slip road, specifically the A500 Slip Road – Alsager Road Junction, in Audley, Newcastle-under-Lyme.

Vehicles, particularly those approaching from the northbound slip road are using the Alsager Road Junction bridge as a means to re-join the A500 to circumvent congestion and thus are speeding and failing to stop at the posted “Give Way” sign. 

This reckless driving has resulted in numerous near misses and several serious accidents and is causing very serious and growing anxiety amongst road users and - importantly- local residents.

I have previously written to both National Highways and Staffordshire County Council requesting action, but both have concluded that there is insufficient collision data to classify the location as dangerous.

However, from my own petition, 270 individuals have raised serious concerns about the safety of this junction. Additionally, Staffordshire Police have reported 46 road traffic collisions at this location in the past two years.

I would be grateful for any support that you can give me to ensure that National Highways works collaboratively with Staffordshire County Council to implement meaningful safety improvements at this location.

I would very much welcome the opportunity to speak to the relevant departmental minister at the earliest opportunity. 

I look forward to hearing from you at the earliest opportunity.

Yours sincerely,

Adam Jogee MP Member of Parliament for Newcastle-under-Lyme