Representation by Peter Still
- Date submitted
- 19 February 2023
- Submitted by
- Members of the public/businesses
The Welsh government has stopped many road developments and is reviewing those that are left as they now require evidence that they will provide value and not cause more environmental harm. This is based on indications that new roads tend to increase the amount of traffic and so fail to meet their objectives of reducing congestion and pollution. I believe that National Highways and the Transport Secretary should consider this commendable action by Wales and emulate it. I wish to know if the estimated reduction in CO2, particulate and other emissions claimed for the LTC take into account the emissions caused by the ENTIRE construction process, including mining aggregates, transporting raw materials, construction and transport of equipment, disposing of spoil, modifying and after completion restoring surrounding land and services, the effects of prolonged disruption of existing infrastructure such as local road networks, transporting those working on all aspects of the process to and from work? If so, how many years will it take for the benefits to balance these effects? Are timescales and budgets realistic? According to Construction Industry News, 69% of major UK civil engineering projects are at least 10% over budget and some can be twice or more as much. Is the LTC the right solution to the right project - or is HE stuck with an unachievable target in trying to relieve congestion at the Dartford Crossing rather than improving the road network?