THE traffic chaos between Lancaster and Morecambe was highlighted in the House of Commons last week after Geraldine Smith won a ballot to hold an adjournment debate.

The Morecambe MP was joined by Hilton Dawson in calling on the Government to make the Heysham to M6 road link a matter of urgency.

Both MPs addressed Environment and Transport secretary Glenda Jackson, who visited Heysham Port last year, in the Commons chamber in the early hours of the morning.

Geraldine said: "Heysham Port is a success story but its phenomenal growth has put enormous pressure on the local road systems between the port and the M6. The traffic flows over the two bridges which cross the Lune at Lancaster are in excess of 56,000 vehicles per day, which is almost as high as that on the six carriageway M6 north of Lancaster. The daily deluge of poison released from the crawling traffic blights the lives and health of residents and adversely impacts on the environment of the historic city of Lancaster."

The Morecambe MP added: "The appalling traffic is hampering commercial development, especially tourism, and, in the event of a serious incident at Heysham nuclear power station, a speedy evacuation of the area would be impossible to achieve. I feel the problems in the area are so acute that they warrant priority treatment."

Hilton Dawson joined the debate in the near empty chamber and said: "A new road link could provide an exceptional opportunity for park and ride, a base for a new station and a transport interchange featuring car hire, taxis, cycling and light delivery vehicles. It would create road space, increase safety and reduce noise and pollution."

In her response, Glenda Jackson said: "I was fortunate to have the opportunity to visit Lancaster and Heysham when I witnessed some of the problems first hand. I cannot at this stage tell whether funding will be available. A better road link could undoubtedly help as could enhanced use of the rail network. I can assure my honourable friend that the issues she has raised will be closely examined."

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