Press Releases
TYNE CROSSINGS ALLIANCE
 
PRESS RELEASE: Government mocks political process
 
Alastair Darling's recent proposal for massive upgrades (1) of junctions on the A19 through Tyneside pre-empts the outcome of the recent Public Inquiry into the construction of a second Tyne road tunnel, claims a local transport campaign group.  In addition, it means the taxpayer would be burdened with the cost of the upgrades to support the PFI tunnel.
 
The Tyne Crossings Alliance, which is campaigning to stop the construction of the proposed second tunnel, says that the A19 proposals together with a new tunnel would turn the A19 into a bypass for Newcastle.  The costs of additional road works confirm the Alliance's claim that the published cost for the tunnel is out by at least 100%(2).  This sheds new light on the promoters' claim that the tunnel project does not need additional road works at public expense.
 
Alliance spokesman, Brian Paget said:
"Mr Darling's proposals contradict the claims of the supporters of the proposed tunnel, particularly local MP Stephen Hepburn, who pledged that it was designed for local traffic and that it would not attract through vehicles.
 
"Encouraging traffic to divert from the A1 would lead to an increase in the distress and damage to the health of local residents, caused by due to the extra noise, vibration and fumes.  Residents along the A19 are already calling for double-glazing to keep out the noise of traffic using the existing tunnel.  Even triple glazing would be insufficient to combat such a large increase in traffic.  Life outside their houses, on pavements, in some parks and public places would become even less tolerable.
 
"Fumes are already in excess of Government guidelines in Newcastle, and this development would extend the problem.  Further, the exercise would be counter productive in that far from creating jobs, through-roads tend to funnel business away from regions rather than bring it in(3).
 
"We expect John Prescott to deliver his decision based upon the evidence given at the recent Public Inquiry early next year.  If the outcome of the Tunnel Inquiry has been anticipated, as Alastair Darling's announcement suggests, what confidence can local residents have in rational transport planning and the democratic process?  What does this say for the role of a future Regional Assembly?"
 
 
 
Notes to Editors
1.  Alastair Darling's comments widely reported in the press.
2.  The total cost of the tunnel project at 1999 estimates is given by the PTA as £139 million.  This amount excludes substantial additional public costs for new or improved roads to accommodate the extra traffic which will have to be paid by South Tyneside and North Tyneside council tax payers.
3.  Evidence from the Government's Standing Advisory Committee on Trunk Road Assessment (SACTRA)  Their report, Transport & the Economy, was produced in 1999. 
4.  For further information on the campaign to stop the second Tyne road tunnel see the Tyne Crossings Alliance website: www.tyne-crossings.org/
5.  The Tyne Crossings Alliance consists of:  CPRE, Friends of the Earth (FOE), Living Streets, North East Railway Development Society (railfuture NE), Roadpeace, The Green Party, Transport 2000, Tynebikes.