Archived press release

Newbury Bypass

7 March 1995

A Friends of the Earth analysis of the Newbury Bypass concludes that it has become politically 'untouchable' (1). The new evaluation of the controversial Western bypass is published in the run-up to a transport forum 'open day' in Newbury, (on March 11th), at which local people will debate solutions to Newbury's traffic problems.

Meanwhile, the Highways Agency has revealed that it has already started its own review of the route in secret (2). Friends of the Earth believes this indicates that the Government is trying to distance itself from the route without further embarassment.

It is widely recognised that, if built, the Newbury Bypass would be one of the most environmentally destructive roads in the country. The bypass was never intended to solve the traffic problems in the town, and in the long-term would exacerbate the situation by increasing traffic.

The Friends of the Earth assessment identifies ten reasons why the proposed 'Western' route is now unacceptable (3). They are:

1. Serious environmental damage - in breach of European law (4); 2. Widespread public opposition to road-building; 3. The recent Royal Commission report calling for less road-building (5); 4. New planning guidlines directing local Government to reduce road traffic (6); 5. The new SACTRA report, which shows that road-building creates new traffic (7); 6. The Newbury bypass would not solve Newbury's traffic problems; 7. Newbury has no integrated transport strategy; 8. The bypass would be a poor use of public money; 9. Newbury is a national trunk road, so should follow national policy; 10. There has been no full environmental impact assessment of the bypass.

Simon Festing, Assistant Habitats Campaigner at Friends of the Earth said:

"Long before the review has finished, the Newbury bypass will be seen as politically 'untouchable'. No Government would go near this destructive road scheme with a barge pole."

"Dr Mawhinney's review is a unique opportunity to demonstrate that continued road-building is not the best way to resolve transport problems. Friends of the Earth will carry out its own study for reducing traffic in Newbury, but with full consultation with local people."

ENDS

NOTES TO EDITORS:

1 In December 1994 Dr Mawhinney, the Secretary of State for transport, suspended construction of the Newbury bypass pending a review of the A34 Newbury bypass and 'other options'. The decision was taken to a background of 'widespread public concern'.

2 The Highways Agency wrote to Friends of the Earth on 23/2/95 regarding the review. They state that "It is an internal review and will not involve any further public consultation. ...We cannot agree to your request for a meeting to discuss the review."

3 The analysis is available from Friends of the Earth by post or fax (8 pages).

4 In October 1994, the European Commission raised questions with the UK Government in respect of the legal implications of the bypass for the Habitats Directive, the Birds Directive, and the Environmental Impact Assessment Directive.

5 The 18th Report of the Royal Commission was heralded as 'a new strategy covering all forms of transport well into the 21st Century'. The Commission acknowledged that the "continuing upward trend in road traffic would not be environmentally or socially acceptable". The report outlined ways to reduce traffic and create a sustainable transport strategy.

6 In March 1994, the Government issued new guidance on transport planning. PPG 13 was designed to "ensure that local authorities carry out their land-use policies and transport programmes in ways which help to: reduce growth in the length and number of motorised journeys; encourage alternative means of travel which have less environmental impact, and hence; reduce reliance on the private car".

7 In December 1994 the Government's 'Standing Advisory Committee on Trunk Road Assessment' (SACTRA) reported on the extra traffic generated by trunk roads, so-called 'induced' traffic. The SACTRA report found that induced traffic is of 'greatest importance' under certain circumstances, such as "where trips are suppressed by congestion and then released when the network is improved".

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Published by Friends of the Earth Trust