Press Releases

The Tyne & Wear Passenger Transport Authority (PTA)'s justifications for its plan to build a new road tunnel are based upon flawed assumptions, says an alliance of local and national transport activists.

The Tyne Crossings Alliance, which is campaigning against the construction of a second Tyne road tunnel, says the PTA has perceived a number of benefits which will result from the construction of the proposed tunnel which are however questionable. "The PTA claims that a new tunnel will improve trade in the area", said Brian Paget of the Tyne Crossings Alliance, "but to date no company has come forward to give a firm guarantee that they will set up business in the region, or increase employment there, if a new tunnel is built."

"It's incomprehensible" continued Mr. Paget, "that the PTA wants us to believe that a huge amount of public money as well as private money will be wisely invested in this ill-conceived project when there is no guarantee that local people will see any benefit. This highlights the need for the PTA to act responsibly and explore real public transport solutions, rather than encourage increased car use. The only benefit from this project would be seen by the PFI company collecting the tolls."

Concerned people can object by writing to Alistair Darling MP, the Secretary of State for Transport, calling for a Public Inquiry into the project. Despite the PTA having years to prepare the application, objectors have only six weeks to demonstrate the need for an Inquiry. Letters stating grounds for objection should be addressed to The Sectretary of State for Transport at the Department of Transport, c/o TWA Processing Unit, Zone 3/11, Department of Transport, Great Minster House, 76 Marsham Street, London SW1P 4DR, to arrive on or before 19th July.

"The Tyne Crossings Alliance is at pains to point out that the project is not only the concern of communities close to the tunnel alignment," said Brian Paget. He added: "Everyone in the region would be affected by the increased traffic and pollution".

Alliance representatives will attempt to lobby all PTA Tyne tunnel exhibitions seeking letters of objection from the public.