More than 3,000 people have supported a campaign calling for safety improvements on the A1 road in Northumberland, following a series of fatal accidents on the route over recent weeks. The petition, running online since last month, accompanies the Dual the A1 and Save Lives initiative, which aims to address longstanding safety concerns on this key arterial road.

Over the past 20 years, the A1 in Northumberland has witnessed more than 50 deaths, drawing increased attention after six people died in three separate incidents within a few weeks. In response, newspapers The Journal and The Chronicle have partnered with political, business, and community leaders to push for urgent upgrades, including dual carriageway expansion.

The campaign has secured cross-party backing, with representatives from Labour, Conservative, Liberal Democrat, Green, and independent groups expressing support. The effort is led by Northumberland County Council leader Glen Sanderson and North East mayor Kim McGuinness.

Signatories of the petition include individuals personally affected by accidents on the road. One individual recounted involvement in a serious road traffic accident on the A1 during the recent May bank holiday and stressed the critical need for enhanced safety measures. Another described narrowly avoiding a major collision between Morpeth and Alnwick, characterizing the condition of the road as unacceptable for a primary national route. Others highlighted tragic consequences for friends and family, including a case in which a person was left paralyzed and requiring continuous care after a crash on the route.

Calls for investment emphasize not only safety but also economic benefits, noting that dualling the A1 would support the county’s growing tourism sector as well as the expanding offshore energy industry centered at Blyth and a new data center under construction in Cambois. Supporters argue that improved infrastructure would also relieve pressure on surrounding communities, many of which serve as alternate routes when the A1 is congested, resulting in heavy traffic volumes.

The government removed plans to dual the A1 in 2024, citing concerns over cost-effectiveness. The previous administration had indicated general support for the project but made no significant progress during its 14 years in office.

With mounting public and political pressure, the campaign seeks a renewed government review of the case for upgrading the A1 corridor to enhance safety and foster economic growth in Northumberland.