Consumer research conducted by Midlands Connect shows massive support for improvements on Junction 15 of the M6.
The poll of 500 people in North Staffordshire asked whether they would back the idea of upgrading the traffic hotspot (which is popular with Moorlands commuters) and 87 per cent said they would support it. A further 70 per cent agreed improvements to the junction would be an example of levelling up in their area.
When asked what benefits they would like to see as a result of any J15 upgrades, the majority (46 per cent) wished for better traffic flow in the surrounding areas, with reduced congestion (43 per cent) coming a close second.
Other bonuses scored highly, with 40 per cent of those surveyed hoping less queueing traffic will minimise environmental impacts, and 37 per cent wanting reduced delays for business traffic to boost the local economy.
Finally, when participants were asked what travel changes they would like to see in the Stoke-on-Trent area, the majority (56 per cent) opted for improvements to other roads. The second most popular answer was more walking and cycling options, with 43 per cent of the result.
Midlands Connect is recommending improvements to Junction 15 are considered by Government for funding as part of its third Road Investment Strategy (RIS3), which is for the period 2025-2030. This means project delivery could begin as soon as 2025.
