A new study shows improvements to a major road could create safer, quicker and reliable journeys.

As part of the Government’s next phase of road improvements, the A1 East of England Strategic Study looked at a 62-mile stretch of road between Peterborough and London.

Published by the Department for Transport on August 18 shows improvements to the A1 could create more reliable and safer journeys for commuters from Bushey, Borehamwood and Potters Bar.

The report highlighted 46 per cent of Hertsmere residents work in London which was the largest proportion of residents out of areas studied as part of the report.

Transport Minister John Hayes MP said: “I want people across the East of England to benefit from quicker, more reliable journeys.

“Our cities and towns are the lifeblood of our economy and they, as well as our rural communities, need strong connections to thrive.

“We are already spending £15 million on the biggest upgrade to road network in generations.

“This next phase is aimed at creating more vital links, creating jobs and opportunities and helping hardworking families across the country feel the benefits of our investment.”

Currently the A1M runs from the M25 to Peterborough but new plans will see the road south of the M25 upgraded to create a continuous motorway between Peterborough and London.

MP for Hertsmere Oliver Dowden, who has led calls for improvements to be made to Stirling Corner on the A1, said: “This reports demonstrates a very high proportion of Hertsmere residents travel to London every day to work and are dependent upon the road network to do so.

“I have been contracted by a number of constituents over the past year who have complained about the time it takes them to get to work or back home in the evening as a result of lengthy delays on the A1.”

“The demand placed on the A1 is only going to increase as the population of the area looked at through the study is estimated to increase from approximately 1.8 million to over 2 million.

“It is vitally important that the Government Road Improvement Strategy for 2020-2025, which this study will inform, takes this into account.”