Clearing traffic from our roads
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Sir: Dr Gavin Strang MP, the Transport Minister, has tried to excuse approval of the Birmingham Northern Relief Road by saying that the privately operated motorway is a "nationally strategic route of the first importance" ("How green is our government?", 29 July). However, since there is still no national strategy for inland transport, the route cannot be "strategic": the motorway is not even tactical, since it will damage the territory and since longer and wider roads induce yet more traffic.
The penalty for cancellation is a bargain at pounds 30m in comparison with the huge and continuous environmental costs and the increase in congestion. On the BNRR itself traffic jams will be not long delayed; they will first be manifest at the toll booths.
A "route of the first importance" in and near Birmingham is not a road, it is the West Coast main line. The pounds 370m cost of the BNRR should, after cancellation, be hypothecated by the Treasury for the improvement of rail freight terminals, rolling stock, and trackage in the West Midlands.
Professor GEORGE HUXLEY
Church Enstone, Oxfordshire
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments