Three Cheshire West MPs are now calling for action to improve the safety of the M56.
Labour MP for Ellesmere Port and Neston Justin Madders and Labour ward councillor for Elton Stephen Smith revealed on Friday evening they have launched a petition calling on the Government and Highways England to fix the motorway, the route for which was first agreed in 1958.
Their call comes after a surge in incidents in recent years, particularly between junctions 12 and 14, many of which have resulted in serious injuries and fatalities. Closure of the motorway rapidly causes gridlock.
Chester MP Chris Matheson has already said it is clear that there is ‘no resilience’ in the road network and has vowed to ‘continue to push’ for work to be done on the motorway.
Mr Matheson added that he was in discussion with the Local Enterprise Partnership and the chief constable of Cheshire Constabulary Simon Byrne about improving police camera coverage on the section between junctions 12 and 14.
Safety issues highlighted
In Weaver Vale Graham Evans MP has ‘serious concerns’ about the safety of the stretch which he says has ‘very little’ electronic signposting to alert drivers to potential hazards ahead.
Mr Evans highlights the safety implications that the setting sun has on the ‘predominantly east-west motorway’ which he believe makes it ‘extremely difficult’ for drivers to see.
Mr Madders has already raised the issue in Parliament, both in debates and through written questions to Transport Secretary Patrick McLoughlin but says he has been disappointed to see no action taken by the Government.
He has joined together with Cllr Smith, whose Elton ward borders much of the affected area, to launch the petition calling on the Government and Highways England to launch an immediate review and take prompt action to improve safety.
Mr Madders said: “Barely a week goes by without another report of a serious incident on the M56 causing delays for thousands of motorists and of course sometimes sadly having a much more serious impact on those involved.
“That’s why we are asking for the support of local residents send a strong message to the Government that things need to change.”
Cllr Smith added: “The people of Elton and surrounding areas are absolutely fed up with the ongoing issues caused by the M56.
“We can’t seem to go a week without another incident causing road closures, traffic jams and general misery for thousands of residents and commuters.
“There is genuine concern and I believe that the Government must take all action necessary to ensure that this stretch of road is as safe as possible so that we can minimise accidents and subsequent disruption.”
Authority responds
Highways England has revealed it is considering safety improvements on the notorious stretch between Chester and Runcorn.
A spokesman said: “We are considering whether there are any potential safety improvements on the M56 between junctions 12 and 14 that should be included within its forward works programme.”
“In addition, we are undertaking work to update our route strategies and may identify further safety improvements for this section of motorway.”
These would have a bearing on whether to upgrade the M56 to a smart motorway, ‘which would further enhance its safety performance’ he added.
The Chronicle's sister paper the Runcorn and Widnes weekly news has also launched a campaign for safety improvements on the motorway, saying they are Sick of the M56.
Will you be signing the petition? What do you think will be done? Let us know in the comments below
