Representation by Professor Michael Corcoran
- Date submitted
- 13 September 2021
- Submitted by
- Members of the public/businesses
My concern is that the proposed scheme, taken together with other National Highways’ proposed schemes, would have consequences that run counter to the UK’s commitment to reduce the emissions of global heating gases (GHGs) as set out in the CCC 6th Carbon Budget and National Declared Contribution under the UN Paris Agreement. Very substantial CHG emissions associated with construction will be followed by an increase in road traffic at a critical time when the UK’s rate of reducing CHG emissions must be at its greatest. Emphasis in planning, including infrastructure planning, needs to focus on minimising the need for travel, shortening travel distances, and a shift to forms of transport other than privately owned cars. This is particularly important on routes taken by commuters. The degree to which these objectives can be achieved reduces the need for infrastructure projects of the type proposed.