Extra want to build a Motorway Service Area (MSA) between Catherine de Barnes and Hampton in Arden within the vital strategic Meriden Gap, in the unique Arden Landscape.

The site requires 13.66hectares (nearly 34 acres) of open green belt land, siting adjacent to the ancient woodland of Asbury’s Copse. The green belt in this area is under constant threat with housing and employment provision as set out in the Draft Solihull Local Plan set to take even more.  

By siting it here, National Highways (formerly Highways England) have had to agree to 5 departures from their normal standards (weaving distances have been accepted although they are almost 50% of the normal standard as required in their design manual). Obviously this will result in increased safety risks which have been accepted as being ‘tolerable’ for motorway users .

These increased safety risks are compounded by additional risks of this part of the motorway planned to move to a SMART motorway with “All Lane Running” a system where there is no hard shoulder being reliant upon escape bays for motorists to find refuge. Only last week the Transport Select Committee issued their report "Rollout and Safety of Smart Motorways" which identified the hazards of this type of system and recommended National Highways pause the rollout of future “all lane running schemes” until 5 years safety can be examined .

Do you want a Motorway Service Area here taking up 34 acres of our precious green belt with the inherent safety risks that it would bring to motorway users?  PLEASE HELP US TO STOP THIS HAPPENING!

We might have one more chance to stop this unwarranted and unwanted development.  We need your support. 

Please sign this petition to use your voice!

Further information regarding the proposals can be found by visiting: www.solihullmotorwayservices.co.uk