On Site at the A500 Audley Slip Road

On site with representatives from Audley Parish Council, National Highways, Staffordshire County Council and Staffordshire Police.

This morning, I brought representatives from National Highways, Staffordshire County Council, Staffordshire Police, Audley Parish Council and the office of Sarah Russell MP – Member of Parliament for Congleton – together on site at the Audley A500 slip road to press for further safety improvements.

Residents have been raising concerns about this junction for a long time, and today was an important opportunity for all the key agencies to look directly at the issues and set out the actions they are now taking. I will keep pushing to ensure these commitments translate into real improvements on the ground.

National Highways shared the latest findings from their investigation into recent accidents and near-misses. They believe increased traffic at Junction 16 – alongside sat-nav systems directing drivers down the slip road to avoid congestion on the A500 – has contributed to the risks. They are now working with major mapping providers to stop this. Temporary signage will remain in place, and a clearer crossroads sign is due to be installed within the next two months. Their wider work to tackle congestion at Junction 16 also continues.

Staffordshire County Council confirmed they are reviewing the full route and are considering extending the 40 mph speed limit on Alsager Road to improve safety for drivers, cyclists and pedestrians.

Bringing all the key partners on site today was an important step in keeping up the pressure and maintaining momentum. We now have clear commitments from National Highways and the County Council, and I will be holding them to those commitments. Residents deserve a safe junction, and I will keep pushing until the improvements promised are delivered.

I also want to place on record my thanks to local residents, who have passionately advocated for this issue, and to Clare and Deane from Audley Parish Council. Their tireless work, local insight and determination on behalf of residents have been vital in driving this forward, and I am grateful for everything they continue to do.

Today’s visit builds on the work we have already done together – including launching the “Make Audley Slip Road Safe” campaign, raising concerns directly with ministers, writing to the Secretary of State for Transport and presenting the petition, signed by more than 260 local residents, to Parliament.

I will continue to hold National Highways and Staffordshire County Council to their commitments until the necessary safety improvements are delivered.