EURO-MP ROBERT STURDY CALLS FOR BAN ON LORRIES OVERTAKING ON A14
Euro-MP Robert Sturdy has called for a ban on lorries overtaking on the A14 at peak travelling times to reduce the number of accidents on the notorious blackspot.
He has written to the Highways Agency and Transport Minister Stephen Ladyman urging them to introduce the ban, which has been successfully introduced in parts of Europe.
A similar ban is currently being trialled along parts of the A14 in Northamptonshire – and Mr Sturdy believes it should be extended to the worst accident blackspots in Cambridgeshire.
Mr Sturdy said:
“Because of the high number of accidents on the A14, it is crucial that action is taken to improve safety there for all drivers. This very busy road is simply not large enough to cope with the large volume of traffic using it and something needs to be done urgently. This is a cheap and effective way of helping solve the problem – the sooner it starts, the better. There is no good reason why the A14 trial in Northamptonshire cannot be extended here, it makes perfect sense.
“A recent poll by MP James Paice found that 75% of people asked were in favour of a ban on lorries overtaking on that stretch of road. The Highway Agency has suggested that a ban of this sort wouldn't have any benefit, but successful schemes in Europe would suggest otherwise. In Germany, lorries are banned from overtaking on dangerous or less developed roads, and this has proved to be very successful.
“There is a similar ban in The Netherlands which is in force during the busiest times for lorry drivers, to cover the periods when the roads are most congested.
"The Netherlands has one of the lowest accident rates in Europe. This clearly demonstrates that this ban can successfully reduce the number of road accidents, as well as congestion during peak travelling times. I have written to the Highway Agency and the Transport Minister urging them to consider this ban.
"It is obvious that we can learn something from our European counterparts on the issue of road safety. For the sake of public safety we must do everything possible to improve our roads. We need a ban like this on the A14."
