Fatal A47 crash 'shows need for improvements', says mayor

The deaths of two men in a horror crash on the A47 near Guyhirn yesterday show how much needs to be done to improve the route, Cambridgeshire's mayor said today.

The board of the Cambridgeshire and Peterborough combined authority has approved proposals to obtain consultancy support for a public consultation on the issue.

A meeting this morning also backed plans for the development of an outline business case for dualling.

The meeting took place a day after two men died in a collision between a bus and a lorry near Guyhirn.

Mayor James Palmer led tributes to the victims.

He said: “It would be remiss of me not to mention the accident yesterday.

“Yesterday was shocking. All of our thoughts are with those who died in the accident. It goes to prove what a busy road it is and how far behind the curve we are in addressing problems on that road.”

Cambridgeshire County Council leader Steve Count also paid tribute to those who died, calling the accident “absolutely tragic”.

He said he welcomed the idea of improving the road, which he said had been a major issue since “long before” he had taken up a post on the council.

He said: “I am glad to see it is making some traction and making some progress. It is vital for Fenland and Peterborough and Norfolk. It is a route that will make a huge difference.”

Mr Palmer agreed, saying it was “imperative” that the route was improved, not only for safety, but to help alleviate the economic “deprivation” in parts of the county.

Combined authority chief executive Martin Whiteley said there was a “really strong” economic case for dualling the road.

He said: “It would naturally improve journey times along that route, and will improve the quality of the transit and freight route. It would not only do that, it would support economic growth in the area.”