The need to upgrade Junction 28 of the M1 is increasingly evident, with the area facing the highest transport-related social exclusion (TRSE) in the UK.
- Studies by Midlands Connect reveal that 80% of residents near Derbyshire’s M1 Junction 28 suffer from TRSE, highlighting the critical need for infrastructure improvement.
- The Bolsover district, encompassing several areas, shows a significantly high percentage of individuals at risk of TRSE compared to the national average.
- Traffic congestion at M1 Junction 28 results in substantial economic costs and delays, emphasising the urgent need for an upgrade.
- Government, local leaders, and the community overwhelmingly support the need for improvements at Junction 28 to alleviate exclusion.
The pressing need for an upgrade at Junction 28 of the M1 is becoming increasingly clear, as research indicates that the surrounding area experiences the highest level of transport-related social exclusion (TRSE) in the UK. TRSE severely affects daily life, curbing people’s ability to meet essential needs, such as accessing childcare and job opportunities. In the north Midlands, this exclusion is most prominently observed around Junction 28, where residents endure the burdens of poor transport infrastructure.
Midlands Connect’s research highlights that 80% of those living near Derbyshire’s Junction 28 are affected by TRSE, a stark figure illustrating the inadequacy of current transport facilities. The Bolsover district, which is adjacent to Junctions 28 and 29, shows that over 64,000 residents live in areas vulnerable to TRSE, starkly exceeding the 18% national average. Areas such as Pinxton, South Normanton, and Broadmeadows rank within the top 10% of England’s council wards for transport exclusion, underscoring the severity of the issue.
The impact of this transport exclusion is particularly pronounced during peak hours, with Midlands Connect citing that Junction 28 functions at 107% capacity, leading to over 1,100 hours of delays and costing the economy more than £4.5 million annually. These figures not only reflect the immediate impacts on travel times but also echo the longer-term economic repercussions for businesses dependent on efficient logistical operations.
The urgent call for upgrades is strongly supported by the local community and leadership. According to research conducted in 2022 by Midlands Connect, a significant 82% of residents in the Bolsover and Ashfield districts are in favour of improvements. Natalie Fleet, the MP for Bolsover, expressed concern over the shockingly high TRSE figures, emphasising her commitment to advocating for government action on this issue. She stated, “I’m shocked by these figures, but sadly not surprised. So many people tell me how difficult it is to travel around our area, and the impact this has on their lives.”
Moreover, Swati Mittal, an integrated transport programme lead at Midlands Connect, highlighted the importance of upgrading the interchange. Mittal stated, “These new figures are yet more evidence of how we need to upgrade J28 and unlock the road network in and around South Normanton and Pinxton.” The persistent traffic bottleneck has continually proven to be a barrier to economic growth and social wellbeing, necessitating immediate intervention.
Upgrading Junction 28 of the M1 is imperative to alleviate transport-related social exclusion and support regional economic stability.
