Better information for your journey
The National Traffic Control Centre collects real-time information on road conditions.
The Project Control Framework
On 1st April 2008 we launched the Project Control Framework. The Framework sets out how we, together with the Department for Transport, manage and deliver major improvement projects.
Traffic news on your desktop
Helpful ways to access the latest traffic information when you need it.
History of the Black Cat Roundabout
Black Cat Roundabout - A Brief History of the Cat
The Black Cat information we have gathered comes mainly from Will Stapleton's book 'Recollections'.
About 1920 a garage and car repair workshop was set up at the junction of the A1 and Bedford Road, with the photo below taken some time pre-war. In 1940 a Mr Carter owned the Black Cat garage. It was taken over by a Mr Stevenson who opened a night club there. It was used as a restaurant for some time before becoming derelict for many years. Then Shell opened a garage there. In the 80's the current large covered petrol station was opened.
From the 1920's everyone local to the area got to know the Black Cat Garage, and hence to refer to the Black Cat Roundabout when it was constructed. So basically the name has been passed down from the original Black Cat Garage.
The metal Black Cat takes its shape from the original on the clock tower above. The Cat is now on holiday waiting for the new roundabout to be finished after which it will once again look after the roundabout night and day.
Before work on the New Roundabout commenced in 2005
The Black Cat has adopted our Site Team for the time being until his new home is complete. (Photo taken as part of a charity fund raising event)
Footnote: Details of websites containing information on the Black Cat roundabout can be found by searching the internet under 'blackcat-on-A1' or 'blackcat' roundabout.
