Efforts are ramping up to address long-standing safety concerns on one of the most hazardous stretches of the A47, between Wansford and Sutton in Cambridgeshire.
North West Cambridgeshire MP Sam Carling has launched a new A47 Safety Improvement Group aimed at developing deliverable solutions to make this section of road safer for all users.
A Dangerous Stretch in Urgent Need of Change
The A47 corridor between Wansford and Sutton has long been recognised as a high-risk route, with a history of serious accidents and safety complaints from residents, road users, and parish councils. The road features a mix of sharp bends, poor visibility, limited overtaking opportunities, and outdated junctions — all contributing to a record of collisions and near-misses.
A previously proposed dualling scheme intended to upgrade this stretch was paused and ultimately withdrawn by the Department for Transport after costs soared beyond £100 million. The plan also faced planning challenges and heritage objections, particularly around the nearby A1 junction and surrounding landscape.
A New, Locally Driven Approach
In response to the cancellation, MP Sam Carling has brought together a coalition of local stakeholders — including parish councils, transport officials, and road safety advocates — to form the A47 Safety Improvement Group. The group met for the first time in July and is tasked with developing a more realistic and community-supported package of safety improvements.
Potential measures under review include:
- Installation of average speed cameras
- Redesigned junctions to improve visibility and safety
- Overtaking restrictions and reduced speed limits
- Addition of rumble strips and other visibility enhancements
- Closure or redesign of lay-bys
- Improved infrastructure for cyclists, pedestrians, and horse riders
Community Consultation and Government Proposal
A public consultation is expected later this year to gather feedback from residents and road users. Insights gathered will shape the final set of recommendations, which Carling plans to present to the Government as a viable and cost-effective alternative to the scrapped dualling project.
MP Sam Carling: “People Have Waited Long Enough”
Speaking on the launch of the new group, Sam Carling MP said: “I’ve made it clear that something needs to be done to make this stretch of the A47 safer — and I’m glad to be bringing partners together to get a better plan in place.
“There’s a real willingness locally to get this right, and I’m grateful to local partners for coming to the table to help make that happen.
“People have waited long enough. We now have a chance to deliver real, practical safety improvements — and I’m determined we make the most of it.”
Looking Ahead
While the original dualling scheme may no longer be feasible, the renewed local focus signals a fresh start for one of the region’s most pressing infrastructure concerns. By developing a community-led and safety-focused approach, the A47 Safety Improvement Group aims to make tangible progress where national plans have stalled.
For updates on the consultation and proposed measures, residents are encouraged to follow announcements from Sam Carling MP and local councils in the coming months.
