Press Releases |
Press Release: no happy ending for tunnel projectThe Tyne Crossings Alliance (TCA) argues that although the recent High Court ruling permits the second Tyne road tunnel project to continue, despite failing sustainability criteria, it's now important that the project should be closely scrutinised. The TCA has been campaigning to stop the construction of the proposed second Tyne tunnel and members put strong arguments against the construction at the 2003 Inquiry.Tyne Crossings Co-ordinator Paul Winch said: "The tunnel project has failed many tests of sustainability. It will increase traffic and congestion and fuel the growth in carbon dioxide and other emissions. Friday's result is a further chapter in the story of a Great White Elephant which however has destructive habits. "Local residents will be exposed to increased noise and particulate emissions with increased stress and associated illnesses including asthma. "However, with the project bidders dropping out one by one, and the Tyne & Wear Passenger Transport Authority considering changes to the funding mechanism, it's important that the project be closely scrutinised as to whether it will begin to achieve its stated aims. "It's still not too late for the TWPTA to cancel the project and give the people of Tyneside release from this dinosaur of reactionary roads planning." Notes1. The Draft Judgment (pdf)
1. From the tunnel inspectors report: "the NTC would substantially increase the number of journeys taken by private car" (para 8.26). |