Representation by Transport Action Network (Transport Action Network)
- Date submitted
- 12 July 2024
- Submitted by
- Members of the public/businesses
Transport Action Network (TAN) objects to the proposed A46 Newark Bypass scheme. It would increase traffic, air pollution and carbon emissions. National Highways state that air pollution will worsen with the scheme: “The results indicate there is a net worsening in air quality as a result of the Scheme in the opening year and forecast year. The worsening is primarily due to an increase in annual traffic movements due to increased capacity delivered by the Scheme, and an overall increase in vehicle kilometres travelled.” (5.5.5 of the Case for the Scheme). The construction alone would increase carbon emissions by 143,887 tCO2 in the crucial 5th Carbon Budget, when we have to make the fastest and most significant cuts. The operation of the scheme would increase carbon by an additional 539,312 tCO2e over its 60 year lifetime. The scheme would cost £686 million, but delivers low value for money. National Highways estimate it will only generate £1.20 of benefits for every £1 spent. The need and the case for the scheme have not been made, and the significant costs, noise pollution, and carbon emissions mean it is not in the national interest for this scheme to be built and property to be compulsorily acquired, contrary to the NNNPS.