Menu
06/06/2003
Road plan offers south-east a 'bleak future'
With plans for a second M25 beginning to emerge, an independent watchdog has warned that the south-east of England faces a "bleak future" of massive over development that could turn the region into the Los Angeles of Europe.
According to Transport 2000's report launched today, 'The Threat of a Second M25: The South-east as the Los Angeles of Europe', pressure is building for a new Lower Thames Crossing – which could act as the trigger for a new Outer Orbital strategic route around London, the group claims.
Transport 200 says that the Lower Thames Crossing would link up with a series of other road schemes (implemented or planned) to create a new route to Chelmsford and Stansted. From there the Outer M25 could take the route of other proposed schemes (including bypasses for Luton and Dunstable), and then pressure would "inevitably grow" to revive the full Outer Orbital proposals that last emerged in the Conservative Government’s Roads for Prosperity programme in the 1990s.
The report shows deals with how the second M25 could act as a catalyst for wider plans in the region for massive expansion in housing, airports, ports, traffic and road building.
Transport 200 predicts a third more road traffic by 2016, a doubling of air travel by 2020 (including possible expansion of Stansted), and hundreds of thousands of new homes by 2031.
Report author transport consultant Jonathan Bray said: “The cumulative impact of the numerous disparate pseudo-strategies for housing and transport will mean a future of concrete and tyres: a future more like Los Angeles than the garden of England.”
Transport 2000 is the independent national body concerned with sustainable transport. It looks for answers to transport problems and aims to reduce the environmental and social impact of transport by encouraging less use of cars and more use of public transport, walking and cycling.
Transport 2000's vision is of a country where traffic no longer dominates our lives, where many of our journeys can be made on foot, by cycle or using public transport and where you don't need a car to enjoy the countryside or city life.
(GMcG)
According to Transport 2000's report launched today, 'The Threat of a Second M25: The South-east as the Los Angeles of Europe', pressure is building for a new Lower Thames Crossing – which could act as the trigger for a new Outer Orbital strategic route around London, the group claims.
Transport 200 says that the Lower Thames Crossing would link up with a series of other road schemes (implemented or planned) to create a new route to Chelmsford and Stansted. From there the Outer M25 could take the route of other proposed schemes (including bypasses for Luton and Dunstable), and then pressure would "inevitably grow" to revive the full Outer Orbital proposals that last emerged in the Conservative Government’s Roads for Prosperity programme in the 1990s.
The report shows deals with how the second M25 could act as a catalyst for wider plans in the region for massive expansion in housing, airports, ports, traffic and road building.
Transport 200 predicts a third more road traffic by 2016, a doubling of air travel by 2020 (including possible expansion of Stansted), and hundreds of thousands of new homes by 2031.
Report author transport consultant Jonathan Bray said: “The cumulative impact of the numerous disparate pseudo-strategies for housing and transport will mean a future of concrete and tyres: a future more like Los Angeles than the garden of England.”
Transport 2000 is the independent national body concerned with sustainable transport. It looks for answers to transport problems and aims to reduce the environmental and social impact of transport by encouraging less use of cars and more use of public transport, walking and cycling.
Transport 2000's vision is of a country where traffic no longer dominates our lives, where many of our journeys can be made on foot, by cycle or using public transport and where you don't need a car to enjoy the countryside or city life.
(GMcG)
Related UK National News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
21 January 2015
BTP Try To Establish Identity Of Woman Killed By Train
British Transport Police (BTP) are trying to establish the identity of a woman who died on Wednesday morning after being hit by a train. BTP said the woman died after being hit by a train near Dingle Road station just before 06:00 this morning. Her body was taken to University Hospital of Wales were a post-mortem is due to be carried out.
BTP Try To Establish Identity Of Woman Killed By Train
British Transport Police (BTP) are trying to establish the identity of a woman who died on Wednesday morning after being hit by a train. BTP said the woman died after being hit by a train near Dingle Road station just before 06:00 this morning. Her body was taken to University Hospital of Wales were a post-mortem is due to be carried out.
12 January 2015
Funding Cut For Bus Services In England And Wales
Funding for buses has been cut for half of local authorities in England and Wales. Since 2010, local authority funding for bus service has been slashed by 15 per cent (£44m) with more than 2000 routes being reduced or withdrawn entirely, according to research by Campaign for Better Transport.
Funding Cut For Bus Services In England And Wales
Funding for buses has been cut for half of local authorities in England and Wales. Since 2010, local authority funding for bus service has been slashed by 15 per cent (£44m) with more than 2000 routes being reduced or withdrawn entirely, according to research by Campaign for Better Transport.
09 June 2005
Road charging plans announced by Darling
Transport Secretary Alistair Darling has announced plan to charge motorists for driving on Britain’s roads. The Transport Secretary said that the measures, which could see motorists charged up to £1.30 per mile for driving in extremely congested areas, were necessary to prevent “gridlock” on Britain’s roads in the next twenty years.
Road charging plans announced by Darling
Transport Secretary Alistair Darling has announced plan to charge motorists for driving on Britain’s roads. The Transport Secretary said that the measures, which could see motorists charged up to £1.30 per mile for driving in extremely congested areas, were necessary to prevent “gridlock” on Britain’s roads in the next twenty years.
09 July 2003
Darling unveils £7bn transport plan
A £7 billion plan to tackle congestion on major routes, including widening the M25 and M1, has been unveiled by Transport Secretary today. Alastair Darling said that the proposed improvements would help improve safety and also tackle the worst congestion hotspots on roads in Britain.
Darling unveils £7bn transport plan
A £7 billion plan to tackle congestion on major routes, including widening the M25 and M1, has been unveiled by Transport Secretary today. Alastair Darling said that the proposed improvements would help improve safety and also tackle the worst congestion hotspots on roads in Britain.
23 February 2004
British transport failings cost businesses £15bn a year: BCC
The shortcomings of Britain's transport infrastructure are costing UK businesses at least £15 billion a year, the British Chambers of Commerce (BCC) has said.
British transport failings cost businesses £15bn a year: BCC
The shortcomings of Britain's transport infrastructure are costing UK businesses at least £15 billion a year, the British Chambers of Commerce (BCC) has said.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherToday:After a dry start this morning rain will spread from the northwest across all parts. This afternoon will be dull with some patchy rain and drizzle. Becoming much milder through the afternoon. Maximum temperature 11 °C.Tonight:A cloudy evening and night with a little light rain or drizzle, perhaps some clear periods developing along the east coast. A very mild night everywhere. Minimum temperature 10 °C.
