Businesses back M1 plan to unlock region’s economic potential

Local businesses based around Junction 28 of the M1 are joining calls for government investment to address the now famous queues the junction faces every day. 

A report released by Midlands Connect, the transport partner of the Midlands Engine and the Midlands’ sub-national transport body, says there are real benefits to upgrading the junction.

Local firms say the junction is costing them business, damaging the environment, putting employees at risk and even holding back local economic growth.

One of the firms reliant on the junction is Alliance Healthcare, which operates nationally from its Derbyshire distribution centre, delivering healthcare supplies to more than 17,000 pharmacies, hospitals, doctors and health centres across the country.

It has warned that without improvements to the junction, delivery of these vital healthcare supplies could be put at risk, saying: “The daily issues we encounter with Junction 28, being two minutes away, introduces challenges that could potentially affect the delivery of these medical products.”

A transport manager at XPO, reiterated the strategic importance of the junction for the region - but said dealing with traffic and congestion is vital to secure economic development for the wider region.

Maria Machancoses, CEO of Midlands Connect, said: “We have listened to the concerns of local businesses and stakeholders, and there is a unanimous call for action to address the challenges which are posed at this junction.

“Investing in this critical infrastructure is not just about improving traffic flow; it is about unlocking the economic potential of the entire region, reducing pollution and keeping road users safe.”

Mark Fletcher, MP for Bolsover,  added: “The evidence is clear. Whether that’s from residents in South Normanton and Pinxton, the County Council, or local businesses, Junction 28 in its current capacity is not fit for purpose.

“We have made great progress on our plans for Junction 28, but we now need the Government’s support to get it over the line.’’

Councillor Renwick, cabinet member for infrastructure and environment at Derbyshire County Council, said: “This is a key junction on the Derbyshire/Nottinghamshire border, providing access to the M1 and linking with arterial routes to Derby, Mansfield, Ashfield and surrounding areas for freight and commuters alike.

“Business growth and economic development in this area are being hindered by this bottleneck junction which desperately needs levelling up to receive the kind of investment we see down south. 

“This must happen if we are to advance and keep this part of the East Midlands moving, and I wholeheartedly support the proposal for government funding to avoid the risk of worsening congestion and delays in the years to come.”