Scrap the A38 Derby Junctions Scheme

Catherine Atkinson MP and Secretary of State for Transport Louise Haigh

Stop A38 Expansion and Climate Emergency banners on bridge over empty A38.

Call to Action: Sign the Petition to Scrap the A38 Derby Junctions Scheme

The A38 Derby Junctions scheme is a costly, outdated, and destructive project that threatens our environment, public health, and community. This scheme, pushed through by the previous Conservative government, relies on flawed and outdated economic assessments that no longer reflect the current realities we face.

The new Labour Government has a critical opportunity to correct this mistake. By scrapping the A38 scheme, they can address the UK’s growing budget deficit, prevent further environmental destruction, and invest in much-needed public transport improvements that will benefit Derby and the entire country.

Why Sign?
  • Legacy of a Flawed Decision: The A38 scheme is based on an outdated 2018 economic assessment, with independent analysis suggesting that it now offers poor value for money. The old Conservative government ignored this and moved forward with a project that prioritizes short-term gains over the long-term wellbeing of our community and environment.
  • Environmental Devastation: This scheme will destroy over 11 hectares of woodland, including centuries-old trees, and cause irreversible damage to wildlife habitats and public spaces. It will increase traffic, CO2, and NO2 emissions, particularly near sensitive areas like the Royal School of the Deaf, putting residents’ health at greater risk.
  • Wasted Public Funds: With the UK facing a £20 billion budget deficit, the £250 million earmarked for this project could be far better spent. We urgently need investment in sustainable transport and housing solutions that align with our climate commitments, not outdated road expansions that will lock us into a future of increased traffic and pollution.
Your Voice Matters
The new Labour Government has the power to stop this destructive project. They can choose to redirect these funds towards sustainable and equitable transport solutions that benefit Derby and contribute to a healthier, more resilient future.

Sign the Petition Now to demand that the A38 Derby Junctions scheme be scrapped. Let’s ensure that public funds are used wisely to create a better future for our community, our environment, and our country. Please subscribe for updates, so that we can keep you up-to-date with developments.

Together, we can make a difference—let’s seize this opportunity to push for change.

To: Catherine Atkinson MP and Secretary of State for Transport Louise Haigh
From: [Your Name]

We, the undersigned residents of Derby, urgently call on you to scrap the A38 Derby Junctions scheme. This project is not only a threat to our environment and community but also represents a wasteful and outdated use of public funds at a time when the government faces significant financial challenges.

The A38 Derby Junctions scheme is set to cost an estimated £250 million—money that could be far better spent addressing the UK's £20 billion budget deficit and investing in much-needed public transport infrastructure. The economic justification for this scheme is deeply flawed, relying on an outdated benefit-cost ratio (BCR) that has not been updated to reflect current economic conditions or environmental priorities. Independent analysis suggests that the BCR for this scheme could now fall below 2, which would render it poor value for money according to government investment standards. Despite this, the government has chosen to push forward with the scheme, prioritising outdated economic assessments over the wellbeing of Derby’s residents and environment.

At a time when the government is committed to cutting carbon emissions and meeting legally binding climate targets, it is indefensible to push forward with a road expansion scheme that will increase traffic, pollution, and carbon output. The A38 expansion will not only lead to the destruction of 11.38 hectares of woodland, with only 6.40 hectares being replanted, but it will also lock Derby into a car-dependent future at a time when we urgently need to be investing in sustainable, low-carbon transport solutions.

The government has pledged to invest in public transport as part of its strategy to reduce carbon emissions and create a more sustainable economy. Scrapping the A38 Derby Junctions scheme would free up significant funds that could be redirected towards improving public transport in Derby, reducing traffic congestion, and providing affordable, sustainable alternatives to car travel. This would not only benefit our environment and public health but also contribute to the long-term economic resilience of our city.

We call on you, Catherine Atkinson and Louise Haigh, to take a stand against this wasteful and environmentally destructive scheme. We urge you to ensure that public funds are used wisely, investing in the future of Derby and the UK as a whole by supporting sustainable transport solutions that align with our climate commitments.

Please scrap the A38 Derby Junctions scheme and redirect these resources towards projects that will truly benefit Derby, our environment, and our economy.

Thank you for your attention to this crucial matter.