Fresh Campaign Calls for A64 Dualling Decision

The Conservative Mayoral Candidate for North Yorkshire has pledged to make a multi-million pound investment in dualling the A64, if he is elected.

Keane Duncan says he hopes pledging funds from the yet to be created Mayoral Authority might help sway the government when it makes decisions about road funding in the coming weeks.

He's teamed up with other local politicians to launch a "Just Dual It" campaign and is asking the public to back the idea.

Roberto Weeden-Sanz is the conservative's parliamentary candidate for Scarborough and Whitby, he thinks there is a new opportunity to get the A64 upgraded.

The campaign is supported by North Yorkshire’s current MPs and business leaders in the lead up to the government deciding the next round of road infrastructure investments. It comes after a key meeting with roads minister Guy Opperman MP and local MPs including Julian Sturdy, Kevin Hollinrake and Sir Robert Goodwill at Hopgrove, near York.

     The campaign is calling on the government to bring forward the proposed upgrades which are currently not expected before 2030.

They are asking the public to sign a petition backing the call to "Just Dual It".

Roberto Weeden-Sanz is the conservative parliamentary candidate for Scarborough and Whitby, he thinks there is an opportunity to get the project moved forwards in the next few weeks.

Keane Duncan, York & North Yorkshire mayoral candidate, says:

“After decades of setbacks and delays, we’re uniting to say the time has come to ‘Just Dual It’.”

“This is a £300m project of national significance. While we can’t fund it entirely alone, it’s right that we demonstrate our local commitment. So I’m seizing the momentum of devolution and pledging mayoral funds towards construction costs if I’m elected as Mayor in May. This would give us a serious stake in delivery of the project.”

“While our specific final contribution would be subject to negotiation, this would represent a multi-million pound investment. Hopefully it’s an offer the government cannot refuse. With a decision on the A64 potentially just weeks away, I’m making this clear commitment now so we don’t miss out. It could prove key to strengthening the business case and sealing the deal.”

“I’m prepared to do everything in my power as Mayor to deliver this critical investment at long last. But with time running out, I need to demonstrate the strength of local support. That’s why we’re asking as many people as possible to sign up to the ‘Just Dual It’ campaign.”

Roberto says dualling the road would have a big impact on the Yorkshire Coast economy.

Filey MP Kevin Hollinrake said:

“As the campaign for dualling the A64 enters a critical stage, it’s vital that as many people as possible voice their support.

“MPs stand with Keane to do everything it takes to deliver this upgrade that is so essential to our economy, businesses, visitors and local residents.”

Sir Robert Goodwill, MP for Scarborough & Whitby, said: “Although this section of road is 40 miles from Scarborough, this is the single most important investment needed to secure continued economic investment and growth.

“Companies like Plaxton’s and McCain rely on ‘just in time’ deliveries and getting heavy goods vehicles into the coast.

“Tourism relies on this road too and, particularly at peak summer weekends, families can be deterred from returning if the have a bad experience with congestion delays.

“If the Government could do one thing to encourage economic development on the coast, it would be this section of the A64.”

Roberto Weeden-Sanz says he thinks the introduction of an elected Mayor for York and North Yorkshire in May will give the region a bigger voice on the national stage.

Roberto says that while he is aware of the long term campaigning that has taken place to dual the A64 he feels there is an opportunity now to drive forward the project, but he says it does need public backing.

The group has launched a "Just Dual It" website where they are asking members of the public to sign a petition backing the call for the upgrade works to be bought forwards. The petition can be found at https://www.justdualit.co.uk/