TRAFFIC on the northerly reaches of the A1 is set to increase by about 20 per cent over the next nine years.

The revelation, contained in a Government report, will increase pressure on ministers to finally upgrade the road to motorway status as part of its ten-year transport plan.

The new figures were confirmed by Transport Secretary Stephen Byers in a Commons written answer to Tory spokeswoman Theresa May.

It says consultants working on an official study of the road now estimate that the current average of 16,200 vehicles a day at New Morpeth will go up to 19,100 by 2011.

Between Alnwick and Berwick, the number of cars and lorries will increase from 8,600 to 10,100 per day.

Mr Byers added that a Government-funded study into the A1, and alternatives to it, is expected to report shortly.

John Irwin, president of the North-East Chamber of Commerce, which last month launched a campaign for improved transport links for the region, said: "These figures once again underline the need for the A1 north of Morpeth to be upgraded.

"Congestion on the road is already a problem for business, and the Government needs to invest now before pressure increases to improve safety and efficiency.