Kevin Hollinrake, MP for Filey, has publicly voiced his disappointment over the lack of explicit support from York & North Yorkshire Mayor David Skaith for the proposed dualling of the A64.
The project, which aims to upgrade the road between Hopgrove Junction and Barton-le-Willows, has been a long-standing priority for the region.
Hollinrake emphasised the project’s significance, stating that it is "shovel-ready" and vital for economic growth, particularly for the manufacturing and tourism sectors. He also highlighted the safety improvements that the upgrade would bring. Delays, he argues, will only lead to unnecessary cost increases.
The A64 dualling was initially slated for delivery under the Road Investment Strategy 3 (RIS3), but recent funding uncertainties have cast doubt on its timely completion.
In an attempt to secure the project's future, Hollinrake wrote to Mayor Skaith on 23rd October 2024, urging him to leverage his influence with the government to lobby for the project’s approval and a firm commitment to its delivery.
However, the Mayor's response, received on 18th November 2024, focused on broader connectivity improvements, including exploring rail and bus options, without explicitly committing to prioritising the A64 dualling.
This lack of commitment has prompted Hollinrake to express his frustration publicly, despite previous attempts to engage with the Mayor privately. He argues that while broader regional connectivity is important, the focus should remain on delivering the A64 upgrade urgently.
Commenting on the matter, Kevin Hollinrake MP said:
“The dualling of the A64 is a shovel-ready project that our communities have been waiting on for far too long. It is disappointing that Mayor Skaith has not thrown his full weight behind this vital initiative. While I welcome efforts to improve regional connectivity, the focus must remain on delivering the A64 upgrade as a matter of urgency. The economic and safety benefits are too important to ignore.”
Hollinrake, along with MPs for Wetherby and Easingwold, and Harrogate and Knaresborough, have called on Mayor Skaith to "redouble his efforts" and prioritise securing government backing for the A64 dualling project. They believe that this project is crucial for the region's future growth and prosperity.
The Filey MP shared both letters on his website.
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