Representation by Richard Pool
- Date submitted
- 22 January 2023
- Submitted by
- Members of the public/businesses
The problem of Congestion New roads don’t decrease congestion: It is clear and obvious simply by observation that building new roads does not reduce road use, in fact it appears to increase it. The M25 should have reduced the load on both the North and South Circular roads. Both remain as busy as they ever were. The Dartford Crossing: QE2 bridge was built to solve the problem of congestion at the Dartford Tunnel (which was previously expanded from one to two tunnels to ease congestion). If this had been successful why do we have an ongoing congestion issue at the crossing? The M25 has become a major commuter route. Anecdotally we have heard stories and know of people who commute long distances using the M25 (Upminster to Luton, Dartford to Hemel Hempstead), adding to the argument that more roads equals more traffic. Any temporary congestion relief is likely to be eroded by induced traffic, as identified in the 1994 SACTRA report “Trunk roads and the Generation of Traffic”. More recent research confirms that the impact of induced traffic, with major road schemes showing traffic increases of up to 47 per cent over 20 years. Local Development How exactly will a relief road of the proposed nature support local sustainable development? The road does not provide any local connections, it’s not multi-modal in nature. It is simply not designed for local trips. The argument that major roads will contribute to wider economic growth is simply unproven. Research published since the previous consultation on the Lower Thames Crossing analysed 86 major road schemes from the past 20 years, using official data from the Post Opening Evaluation (POPE) reports this confirmed that the promised economic benefits from new roads have not been delivered. The environment The proposals will cause extensive and permanent environmental damage and fail to address wider sustainability imperatives. This damage will be increased with the change in the road plans from a four-lane to a six-lane motorway, with associated land taken for construction works. The end result will be irreversible damage to the natural environment. Coastal grazing marshes along with other major wildlife and nature areas will be subject to significant impact, all contrary to the UK Biodiversity Action Plan priority habitats within Essex. The proposed road will surround the community of South Ockendon with multi-lane dual carriageways and motorways. No where in South Ockendon will be more than 1.5 miles from a major trunk road. Transport and Travel Changes in travel demand may not be consistent with the need for a new crossing. The recent pandemic has created a shift in working patterns that could substantially reduce the need for a new crossing. Transport is the largest emitting sector of the UK economy, accounting for 28% of UK greenhouse gas emissions in 2017. The UK Committee on Climate Change advises that policies to increase levels of walking, cycling and use of public transport need to be strengthened to deliver reductions in vehicle mileage of at least 5 per cent below the baseline trajectory, and that opportunities to reduce demand for travel must be exploited. How does building a new motorway meet these criteria? Concerns about how the building phase will affect local residents The proposed plan is to work continuously day and night for at least some part of the projected 6 year build period. That is 6 years of not insignificant disruption to the lives of local residents that undoubtedly have implications for both the physical and mental health of those near the construction. The proposed 18 month closure of the main road in and out of the north side of South Ockendon will also cause major problems for local residents and businesses.