Archived press release

Controversial new bypass will not solve traffic problems

19 January 2005

Friends of the Earth today called on the Government to halt the construction of the Stoke Hammond and Linslade Western Bypass, scene of direct action protests today by members of the local community.

Friends of the Earth has supported the local community, and South Bedfordshire Friends of the Earth in their opposition to this damaging and unnecessary road. Friends of the Earth is not involved in direct action against the road, but continues to support the right of individuals to peacefully protest to protect the environment

Friends of the Earth's transport campaigner Tony Bosworth said:

"This new road will do little to ease congestion problems in the area and will further undermine Britain's failing attempts to control greenhouse gases. We can't continue to tarmac our way out of our transport problems. It's high time the Government realised that road-building won't work, and invested in sustainable solutions instead."

Friends of the Earth opposes the bypass because:

It will not solve congestion problems in Linslade. According to Buckinghamshire CC, the promoting authority, it will not ease the highly congested Wing Road, which many children have to cross everyday to reach their schools.

There will be small reductions in traffic on some roads in the area but these are expected be eliminated by the extra homes planned for Linslade and nearby towns and villages. There will be severe traffic problems within 10 years in the villages that the road is supposed to bypass.

In proposing the road, Buckinghamshire CC did not follow Government guidance on the appraisal of road schemes with regard to induced traffic. Local campaigners believe that Buckinghamshire CC's consideration of alternatives to the road, such as measures to encourage people to leave their cars at home, was also highly unsatisfactory.

As a consequence of the bypass, there will be an extra 6,400 vehicles a day along the A418 through the nearby village of Wing, a road with sharp bends.

The road goes past a new Shanks waste site, which has permission for 750 lorry movements a day. The road runs through attractive countryside, and beside a county wildlife alert site. There could be new housing from Wing to Linslade across beautiful countryside, ruining the present character of the area.

This is one of many major road schemes which Friends of the Earth is campaigning against. Others include the Bexhill to Hastings Link Road, the A303 around Stonehenge, the widening of the M1 and M25 to 4 lanes, the M6 Expressway, the Second Mersey Crossing, the Thames Gateway Bridge, the New Tyne Crossing and the M6 - Heysham Link (also known as the Lancaster Bypass).

If you're a journalist looking for press information please contact the Friends of the Earth media team on 020 7566 1649.

Published by Friends of the Earth Trust