Many constituents were in contact with me about the National Highways consultation that took place in September on improvements to the A5 Watling Street in Towcester.

National Highways have today released their engagement report on the consultation, which received 185 responses from individuals, stakeholders and local landowners.

The consultation recognises the wishes that local residents have expressed for many years:

• To improve safety for all

• To reduce the impact of air and noise pollution on surrounding environments and habitats

• To increase the number of trips made in Towcester by walking and cycling

• To help boost the local economy through increased trade and footfall

• To make Towcester’s High Street an attractive place to visit

• To improve accessibility to Towcester town centre for everyone

• To preserve Towcester’s rich history and identity

Details on the three options can be found here: https://nationalhighways.co.uk/media/uidbivqv/a5-towcester-consultation-report-2022.pdf

The main findings from the consultation are as follows:

The respondents were asked to choose which option would be the most beneficial for Towcester town centre. Almost half of all the respondents (79) chose option A as the one that would benefit most. The second most popular response was option B with 44 respondents choosing this answer. Option C with B was chosen by the smallest number of respondents (12). 33 respondents did not answer that question.

More than a third of respondents stated that none of the options would make driving through Towcester and the town centre easier. Two fifths of the respondents stated that option A would encourage them to visit, shop and walk in the town centre. A similar proportion (42% respondents) said that none of the options would encourage them to cycle in the town centre, though a third of respondents choose option A as the most likely to encourage them to cycle.

The qualitative findings show that whilst Option A is the preferred option overall, there are many with reservations to the proposal (37 respondents). Concerns include the proposal to narrow the racecourse roundabout to one lane, removing the kerb and separating foot traffic from vehicles through road texture and colour was viewed as unsafe, and concerns that local business would suffer if the town centre parking was removed. Option B received criticism for being short sighted. Option C was generally seen as inefficient due to the town being too small to support park and ride (34 respondents).

Respondents were very supportive of the 7.5 tonne weight restriction (33 respondents), however, they questioned how it would be enforced and where the HGVs would be diverted. Many respondents had experienced dangerous conditions relating to large HGVs on the A5 and were pleased to see the restriction proposed. Respondents were sceptical that the relief road will be able to accommodate the diverted HGVs and believe that nothing short of the de-trunking of the A5 would deter them.

The consultation has captured a range of views from local communities, organisations, and interest groups. The purpose of this report is to present a factual summary of the consultation process and responses received. The information will be used by the National Highways project team to inform the development of the project, alongside other considerations, to recommend a preferred option which will then be taken forward into more detailed development. I understand that National Highways are aiming for the spring to have selected a preferred design.

The full report can be read here: https://nationalhighways.co.uk/media/uidbivqv/a5-towcester-consultation-report-2022.pdf