Derby firm wants A38 decision soon amid significant disruption

Image of the A38 in Derby near Markeaton Island. Image by LDRS

The boss of a Derby haulage firm has called for clarity on the “vital” A38 expansion plan as traffic problems hit his business.

The calls come after major, but controversial, plans to transform one of Derby’s busiest roads have been placed in fresh doubt in recent months.

The Government had previously committed to funding an estimated £600m project which would see the creation of flyovers, underpasses, and roads widened from four lanes (two on either side) to six (three on either side) to ease congestion issues between the Kingsway and Little Eaton islands.

However, in June it was announced the project, and plans to improve the A46 in Nottinghamshire, were up for cancellation.

Then Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer said some capital projects, such as roads and energy investment “will no longer go ahead as planned” – to cover an increase of spending on the UK’s defence.

The Government said a consultation would take place over the proposal to cancel the scheme.

Mayor of the East Midlands Claire Ward branded the plans to cancel both projects “completely unacceptable” and has since launched a regional campaign for them to be reinstated on the Government’s capital timetable.

But now months after the apparent cancellation, the Government said it could not provide an update on when a final decision will be made as the consultation remains ongoing.

Concerns over the project’s fate are ongoing, with one of Derby-based haulage firm Viking Transport’s bosses saying A38 traffic causes “significant” problems for the business.

David Jolley, transport manager at Viking Transport, believes clarity is needed on the scheme.

He said: “[Getting the upgrades] will most definitely improve the business. We have drivers for deliveries who pass there and the traffic causes a significant drain on our resources. The drivers are always late back.

“There needs to be clarity – its been uncertain for years. Nothing has been done with those houses for a while. My director passes regularly and goes on about the traffic.”

Mayor Ms Ward was asked how many signatures her campaign had received so far – but no direct answer was provided.  But she insisted the response showed “the strength of feeling across our region”.

She said: “I have been clear from the start that these are vital schemes for the East Midlands, helping people get to work, supporting businesses and improving connectivity between our communities.