Liverpool Port access road decision a travesty and will destroy our countryside, say campaigners

Locals were split over what should happen to the road after Highways England gave them no real choice at all:  either expand an already heavily polluted corridor or destroy a much loved country park.

Chris Todd, Local Groups Campaigner, Campaign for Better Transport said:

"This decision is a travesty. Destroying this much loved country park for a major new road is utter madness.  The lack of consensus and deep concerns about both routes should have caused Highways England to pause and rethink its approach.  But no, like the juggernaut it is, it carried right on and now threatens a much loved green space..

"This decision shows what is wrong about the Government's roads programme.  It cannot build its way out of congestion and continuing this approach is threatening important cultural assets.  This week it's a country park, next it might be a World Heritage Site and the week after a National Park.  When will this discredited approach be abandoned?

“Instead of promoting expensive and damaging new roads, the Government should look at other options, such as better rail services for freight and commuters which would cut traffic and be better news for the environment and the economy.”

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 Friends of Rimrose Valley response here - Road to be built through Rimrose valley
• Read Highways England A5036 Port of Liverpool access public consultation summary here
• Read Highways England A5036 Port of Liverpool access preferred route announcement here
• Read about Campaign for Better Transport’s road campaigning work here - Evidence shows that 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).