A meeting will be held today on the future of the A69.

The trunk road runs across the Pennines between Carlisle and Newcastle, and it has been criticised as being unsafe for HGV use.

ITV Border has covered these criticisms over many years, hearing from residents like Deborah Wearing, who says lorries have collided with her home on the road on numerous occasions.

Cumberland Councillor Roger Dobson has convened a meeting on the stretch of the A69 between Brampton and M6 Junction 43, which he describes as a “statistically dangerous corridor”.

He said: “The A69 is not simply a transport corridor – it is a barrier to normal community life. It suppresses walking, cycling and public transport use. Residents cross it daily to reach schools, shops, medical services and community facilities.

“The danger is constant, predictable and unacceptable.”

There are now fresh calls to de-trunk part of the busy A69 Carlisle to Newcastle road and divert HGVs. Credit: Deborah Wearing

Senior representatives from National Highways, Cumberland Council, Julie Minns MP, and candidates for next May’s Cumbria Mayoral election have been invited to attend the meeting, which will take place in Warwick Bridge on Wednesday 29 July.

What’s the solution?

Cllr Dobson is calling for the road to be ‘de-trunked’, which would make the A69 the responsibility of the local authority, rather than National Highways.

This would mean the speed limit and pedestrian crossings would be locally controlled, and the Council could encourage HGVs to use the A689 – or even ban HGVs entirely.

If National Highways does not agree to de-trunk the road, Cllr Dobson is urging the introduction of interim measures such as:

A 50mph limit between Brampton Roundabout and M6 Junction 43

Mandatory 20 mph through Warwick Bridge and Corby Hill

A safe crossing at Little Corby Road for primary school children

What does National Highways say?

In a written response to Cllr Dobson’s concerns, National Highways Chief Operating Officer Duncan Smith said: “I would like to reassure you that we fully appreciate the weight of concern with regards to the A69 through Warwick Bridge.

“Although the Government has indicated that changing the extents of the strategic road network is not a priority for this Road Investment Strategy period (2026 – 2031), we are happy to explore the potential de-trunking of the A69 and trunking of the A689 as a special case.

“We are in discussion with Cumberland Council on this matter.

“I can confirm that we are also reviewing potential measures that may discourage HGVs from using the A69 through Warwick Bridge. However, it is important to understand that any such measures may have an impact on the surrounding local road network.”

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