The A47 Alliance successfully made the case for vital improvements to the A47 at a Parliamentary Drop-In event on the 12th March, where members engaged with the Minister for the Future of Roads, Lilian Greenwood MP, on the urgent need to dual the A47 and establish a stronger East-West Strategic Route for the East of England.
The event, sponsored by Jess Asato MP, brought together key representatives from Norfolk County Council, Norfolk Chambers of Commerce, Transport East, the Road Haulage Association, and Peel Ports. MPs and their representatives from across the A47 route attended and agreed to continue conversations with the Minister on this crucial infrastructure campaign. The A47 is a vital transport artery connecting the Midlands and the North to Norfolk and the wider East Anglia region. However, decades of underinvestment have left 53% of the route as single carriageway, creating severe congestion, unreliable journey times, and significant safety concerns. 90% of fatal accidents on the A47 in the past five years have occurred on single-carriageway sections and is estimated to be costing the UK economy an estimated £25 million annually.
For Norfolk-based businesses, these deficiencies directly impact freight, delivery services, and commuter times, restricting economic growth and limiting investment opportunities. The A47 Alliance is campaigning to change this by securing long-overdue upgrades to the route.
During the event, Lilian Greenwood MP recognised the A47’s strategic importance to the region’s economy and the need for infrastructure improvements. She commended the Alliance for its “spirited campaigning” and assured attendees that the “A47 would not be forgotten” in upcoming decisions on transport investment.
Jonathan Cage, President of the Norfolk Chambers of Commerce, said, “As President of the Norfolk Chambers and a business leader whose company has been involved in numerous development projects along the A47, I fully recognise the urgent need for its improvement.
“Enhancing this key route would not only boost driver safety and reduce travel times but also create opportunities for businesses to expand, attract investment, and deliver a strong return on infrastructure spending. Better connectivity would unlock stalled developments in Norwich, Great Yarmouth, and King’s Lynn while providing a faster, more efficient link to new markets in the Midlands and the North.
“Upgrading the A47 would help alleviate pressure on the A14 and the wider Cambridge area, offering greater resilience and a viable alternative for businesses and individuals looking to establish themselves in the East of England.
“I am very pleased that the Parliamentary reception went well and that the Minister listened and took onboard our requests. Whilst funding assurances were not given at the event, it is obvious that our campaign message went down well and that the A47 will not be forgotten. The A47 Alliance and key stakeholders presented a strong campaign by coming together in a truly collaborative manner.”
Councillor Graham Plant, Chairperson of the A47 Alliance, added, “I am pleased that the Minister attended our Parliamentary reception, and I am grateful to Jess Asato MP for sponsoring us, as well as the cross-party work our MPs are doing to secure investment for this vital route.
“While we weren’t expecting to come away with funding assurances from the Minister, it was heartening to hear that she fully recognised the need for better infrastructure to connect the East of England to the rest of the country.
“She has assured us that as decisions around funding infrastructure are taken forward, the A47 will not be forgotten. I look forward to further discussions with her, National Highways, and the Department for Transport on the need for improvements on the A47.”
The A47 Alliance will continue working closely with stakeholders and policymakers to secure the necessary investment for dualling and improvements along the route. These upgrades are essential to boosting business growth, improving freight movement, and ensuring a safer, more efficient transport network for the East of England.
For more information, please visit: www.a47alliance.co.uk.
