Representation by Essex Area Ramblers (Essex Area Ramblers)
- Date submitted
- 6 February 2023
- Submitted by
- Members of the public/businesses
The Essex Area Ramblers provided a response in September 2021 and in summary is: We are generally content that the replacement PRoWs are adequate in principle, but as there are no detailed plans at this stage, the ramblers will need to be satisfied that the new crossings have acceptable dimensions and surfacing. We are particularly concerned where crossings are shared with cyclists and horse riders and we will need to be satisfied that adequate design and segregation is achieved and need to be assured that the facilities will be constructed and not sacrificed when value engineering or cost cutting is undertaken. The Ramblers are concerned whether major road improvements, such as the Lower Thames Crossing, can lead to increased car travel and whether they are consistent with the Government’s climate commitments. As everyone is aware, Covid has had a fundamental impact on travel patterns, and could be still adjusting as society returns to a 'new normal'. For example there is likely to be less commuting and perhaps a more dispersed population as people adjust to more home working. The traffic forecasts are based on traffic data collected in 2016, which is pre- Covid. Government recognise, in their 'Transport Decarbonisation Plan', which was first published in July 2021 with a review published in July 2022. (Ref). This plan recognised that their major transport infrastructure programmes were designed before the pandemic and they want to understand how changing patterns of work,shopping and business travel might effect them, as well as their climate commitments. The Essex Area Ramblers support this and believe a review of the traffic levels and forecasts,and the impact of the planned change to electric vehicles, are necessary to ensure the scheme is relevant post Covid and is in line with the Government's climate commitments of net zero emissions by 2050. Ref: Decarbonising Transport: A Better, Greener Britain:Department for Transport: July 2021. ' 'One Year On': July 2022