Campaigners and political representatives have responded positively to recent remarks by Prime Minister Andy Burnham regarding the potential to revisit funding options for dualling the A1 road in Northumberland, a project long advocated for amid safety concerns. The A1, a key transport route in the region, has been the focus of local calls for upgrades following numerous serious accidents, including several fatal collisions earlier this year.

Kezz Petronelli-Stone, a founding member of the Northumberland A1 Safety Alliance (NASA), described Burnham’s comments as encouraging but cautioned that more immediate action is needed. Petronelli-Stone, who co-established NASA with local businessman Richard Shell after witnessing the risks posed by single-lane sections of the northern A1, emphasized the urgency of improving the road. “People aren’t going to want to wait a year — they want something immediately,” he said, highlighting the need for swift implementation of safety measures alongside longer-term plans for dualling the route.

The alliance, which includes high-profile supporters such as former Newcastle United owner Sir John Hall and the Duchess of Northumberland as patron, has drawn attention to the economic and safety implications of the current road conditions. The group noted that most accidents involve non-local drivers and stressed the negative impact on tourism and local commerce. NASA’s parliamentary petition calling for an “immediate safety guarantee” on the A1 has attracted over 4,200 signatures, with support from regional political figures including North East Mayor Kim McGuinness and Northumberland County Council leader Glen Sanderson.

Andy Burnham, during a visit to Newcastle, acknowledged the longstanding infrastructure challenges facing the North East and committed to exploring alternative funding packages for the A1 improvements. He referenced ongoing efforts to enhance devolution in the region to better address local needs, with the backing of local leaders. Burnham stated, “I am not going to conveniently forget” the issue and pledged that the government would engage in efforts to find solutions.

Local Labour MP Joe Morris praised Burnham’s statement as a positive step forward after years of campaigning by himself, fellow MP David Smith, and Mayor McGuinness. Morris expressed hope that renewed government focus would finally resolve the matter. He said, “People in Northumberland have been waiting for decades to see this vital infrastructure improved.”

The government previously described the full dualling scheme—estimated at £500 million to cover 13 miles between Morpeth and Ellingham—as unaffordable. Meanwhile, National Highways has committed to safety enhancements on the route under the current Road Investment Strategy, though no definitive timeline for work has been announced.

Petronelli-Stone called for immediate upgrades, particularly at dangerous junctions, and urged road users to exercise caution in the meantime. “We need spades in the ground now,” he said, emphasizing the importance of rapid intervention to save lives while longer projects are developed. The campaign continues to build momentum amid ongoing concerns over accidents and road safety on the A1.