THE CASE AGAINST THE NEWBURY BYPASS


Environmental Devastation

If built, the A34 Newbury Western Bypass would be one of the most environmentally destructive road schemes in the country. It would plough through 9 miles of spectacular countryside, damaging important wildlife sites, beautiful landscapes and historic areas. There are 5 nationally designated sites along the road route, including 3 SSSIs, a registered Battlefield, and an area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. No proper Environmental Impact Assessment has ever been carried out on the road despite statements from a Government committee that the bypass route was "quite unacceptable". The National Rivers Authority continues to object to the 9 bypass river bridges, which could cause massive flooding. English Heritage has concerns about the destruction of archaeological remains of national significance.

Poor Relief of Traffic Congestion

According to Highways Agency data used to justify the road both at the Public Inquiry and in the 1995 Highways Agency 'Review', 80% of the traffic in the Newbury study model is local or from the neighbouring area. Only 5% is long-distance North-South through traffic. Application of the DOT's own traffic forecasts to the A34 reveals that, if the Bypass is built, the existing ring-road will be back to current traffic levels within only 5 to 10 years of the new road opening!

Poor Value for Money

The £80 million plus cost of the Bypass would be far better spent on a demand management package for both local and long-distance traffic. Many other transport investments for Newbury would yield better value for money, with less controversy and less environmental damage.

No Consideration of Alternatives

Independent transport consultants have concluded that local measures could solve the traffic problems of Newbury, and should be implemented before proceeding with a bypass. Such measures were not dealt with in the Highway Agency 'Review'. Neither these nor any other alternatives to large scale road building have ever been put to the people of Newbury.

Lack of a Coherent Transport Policy

The sole object of the Newbury Bypass is to provide a strategic trunk road between the Midlands and the Southern Ports. No need for such a route has been demonstrated or debated. The Government has done little to improve existing rail services from Southampton to the Midlands, despite agreement by most parties that more freight should travel by rail. Berkshire County Council has no integrated transport for Newbury. Inappropriate development along the existing A34 has been permitted by the District Council, exacerbating traffic congestion.

Lack of Democracy or Consultation

Since the Western route was first decided in 1984, the only opportunity for public involvement was one Public Inquiry in 1988. The public were not allowed to question the need for the Bypass; the only issue considered was choice of route. There was no public consultation or debate on alternatives during the 'Review' period. The Government refuses to make the information behind the 1995 'Review' available; for example, independent consultants have questioned how the important SACTRA report on traffic generation was applied to the 'Review', but have been unable to obtain the underlying data. Far from the "overwhelming" local support for the road claimed by politicians, there IS substantial opposition- as admitted by the District Council. According to recent surveys, 70% of local businesses oppose the Bypass. Everyone in Newbury wants a solution to the town's traffic problems, but many do not want the Western Bypass.

Political Motivation

The DOT's decision in July 1995 to abort the year-long 'Review' and proceed with the Bypass, after only six months, was largely a response to concerted lobbying by local vested interests, politicians and the road lobby. To build this most controversial of roads, while so many others fall in public spending cuts, would be an act of sheer political obstinacy-NOT a genuine attempt to solve transport problems.




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