High Peak MP welcomes life-saving improvements on A57

The Labour Government has announced it is providing £7.6 million to deliver life-saving improvements on the iconic A57 Snake Pass.

This funding will deliver a vital package of safety improvements, including speed limit signage, improved visibility, stabilisation of the carriageway, and a dedicated motorcycle safety barrier.

Data from the House of Commons Library shows that between 2018-2023, High Peak had 1,135 total casualties, with 17 fatal casualties and the Snake Pass was one of the least safe roads.

The funding is expected to prevent more than 93 fatal and serious collisions over the next 20 years, as well as reduce congestion and lower emissions.

Jon Pearce MP for High Peak said:

“Having spoken to constituents across High Peak, particularly in Glossop and the Hope Valley, I know people have huge concerns about the safety of the road and the feasibility of keeping it open. This road is High Peak’s vital link to Manchester and Sheffield. Keeping the road open is crucial for people’s livelihoods and for the local economy.

“Derbyshire County Council are responsible for the road, but under the leadership of the Tories and now Reform, they have demonstrated that keeping the road safe and open was not a priority for them. Therefore, I have been campaigning in Parliament, speaking in the House of Commons and to Ministers directly to keep the road open and make it safe.

“I am delighted that the Government has listened and made this crucial investment, giving my constituents that use Snake Pass the improvements that they desperately need.”

Heidi Alexander MP, Secretary of State for Transport, said:

“One of this Government’s top priorities is road safety. Just one death on our roads is too many. Since becoming the MP for High Peak, I know that Jon has campaigned tirelessly to see improvements on the Snake Pass. I’m delighted to announce that people across Derbyshire, Sheffield and Manchester will benefit from this Government investment to keep the road open and provide vital life-saving improvements. I recognise that we must go further, that’s why we’re delivering on our first Road Safety Strategy in over a decade, to ensure that the UK’s roads remain among the safest in the world.”