West Worcestershire MP Dame Harriett Baldwin has called for formal investigations into the future of the busy A46 between Evesham and Tewkesbury as plans are developed for a new motorway junction at the M5.

The MP has already campaigned for more speed restrictions at busy junctions along the road at Hinton Cross and near to the busy junction leading into Long Carrant Park.

But consultations are being carried out to assess the impact of a new motorway junction near to Tewkesbury aimed at relieving pressure on junction 9 and together with the prospect of new houses on the edge of Tewkesbury, worried residents have contacted Dame Harriett to share their concerns.

The MP has written to National Highways asking to see impact assessments of the new junction and projections for future traffic along the busy A46 over the next ten years.

Dame Harriett said:

“The A46 has always been a challenging issue for local people and communities who live along the busy road regularly contact me about their concerns using junctions to get to and from their homes.

“It is clear that with major new housing settlements planned for closer to the M5, the major retail centre and a planned new junction, the A46 is likely to become much busier soon. I’ve asked National Highways to share their projections as we plan for the future.

“With more traffic on this road, it could be much harder for people to join and cross the road, so I want to make sure National Highways is on top of this matter and ensuring that the right speed restrictions are in place to mitigate any extra risks.

“I am hopeful that we will see additional warning signage at the Long Carrant Park soon and will continue to champion the concerns of local residents as a wider transport strategy is developed.”