Campaigners react to controversial Trans-Pennine road tunnel plans
18 August 2016
Campaign for Better Transport responds to the Government’s shortlist of five potential routes for the Trans-Pennine road tunnel linking Manchester with Sheffield.
Bridget Fox, Sustainable Transport Campaigner, Campaign for Better Transport said:
“Building new roads generates new traffic, adding to pollution and congestion in communities at either end, undermining the good work done to make Manchester and Sheffield city centres more liveable.
“Constructing multiple ventilation shafts in the Peak District National Park would be hugely damaging, and there are many safety and security questions still unanswered.
“Few commuters would want to make this journey twice a day. While for freight, Trans Pennine Rail for example, making use of the existing Woodhead Tunnel, is a much more practical option.
“This extortionate scheme is a folly too far. The enormous sums of money and expertise being spent on this speculative exercise would be better used on proven solutions and improving everyday travel.”
ENDS
For further information please contact Richard Watkins, Press Officer, at Campaign for Better Transport on 020 7566 6494 / 07984 773468 richard.watkins@bettertransport.org.uk
Notes to editors
- Read the Department for Transport’s announcement here – Routes shortlisted for Trans-Pennine tunnel.
- Read about Campaign for Better Transport’s road campaigning work here – New roads create new traffic
- Campaign for Better Transport is the UK’s leading authority on sustainable transport. We champion transport solutions that improve people’s lives and reduce environmental damage. Our campaigns push innovative, practical policies at local and national levels. Campaign for Better Transport Charitable Trust is a registered charity (1101929).
