Representation by David Kirkwood
- Date submitted
- 15 September 2021
- Submitted by
- Members of the public/businesses
I have lived in the broad vicinity of this proposed scheme (A57 Link Road/Mottram bypass) for over 30 years and am well aware of the serious traffic congestion this scheme aims to alleviate and the difficulties it has posed to local residents for many years. However having carefully read the documentation submitted by Highways England in support of the scheme it is clear that aside the inevitable carbon costs predicted in the proposed construction phase even the proposers acknowledge the scheme, once in operation, will in all probability generate significantly increased carbon emissions compared with the status quo. Given the well documented and evidenced threats of serious climate disruption alongside clear government undertakings to radically and rapidly reduce greenhouse gas emissions , the scheme as proposed demonstrably runs counter to meeting binding climate targets. In addition the scheme will irrevocably damage local biodiversity and also have serious negative amenity impacts on the fringes of and within the boundary of the Peak District National Park. Alternate well documented and significantly more sustainable solutions to solving the acknowledged problems of congestion in this area have been put forward. Given the seriousness and urgency of addressing the climate crisis these solutions should prevail.