Representation by James Willis
- Date submitted
- 24 February 2023
- Submitted by
- Members of the public/businesses
Dear Inspector/ Minister of state I have grown up in this area Gravesend side of Thames gateway when I cannot afford a car feel compete isolated from neighbours in Essex this scheme does very little ot nothing to answer that a provision for cross river active travel, not viable for public transport due to lack of adequate connections. Freight and passenger Rail alternatives Evidence relied upon quoted in LTC consultation's refer back to studies (such as Parson Brinckerhoff 2013 study) discounting the need for Rail freight and cross river public pre date Cop 26 and Next Zero targets. Practically and looking example in Wales in relation Climate change and commitments made at COP 26 Net Zero targets the Thames estuary area should by using up to evidence to raise the bar for where new roads are the right response to transport problems compare to investing in real alternatives, including investment in active rail, bus, Tram and Public transport connectivity Not be good value for money with a benefit-cost-ratio (BCR) of only 1.22 (meaning for every £1 spent, there will only be £1.22 of economic benefits) so is "Low" value for money according to government guidelines. These Quotes are from the CPRE (Campaign for protection of Rural England ) end of the road report and relate to value for money and poor economic case - Roads - induce traffic, that is, generate more traffic – often far above background trends over the longer term ? lead to permanent and significant environmental and landscape damage ? show little evidence of economic benefit to local economies. I also have seen evidence that. Would not solve the problems suffered due to the Dartford Crossing Induced demand – increase in cross river traffic (around 50%) Lack of adequate connections, especially when there are incidents Safety concerns since the proposed LTC would be a ‘Smart’ Motorway by stealth Increase in carbon emissions (around 6.6 million tonnes) Loss and impact to thousands of acres of farmland threatening food security Destroy and impact woodland (inc ancient woodland), trees (inc ancient/veteran), hedgerows, greenbelt Devastating impact on wildlife and habitat, inc protected species Increase in air and noise pollution, whole route fails on WHO-10 levels for PM2.5 Destruction and impacts to homes and communities Concerns about construction impacts Doesn’t meet scheme objectives- PLease reject the scheme .