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Threatening road-building projects

M6 junction 18
Photo showing a section of the M6 at Junction 18. Photo: © CPRE/Skyscan

The Government has plans for many new roads in this country.

Stonehenge
The A303 near Stonehenge is a longstanding intrusion into this icon of the English countryside and World Heritage Site. In April, the Department for Transport ended a consultation process on suggested improvements. Five options were considered:

  • a 2.1km bored tunnel under the site
  • a northern route
  • a southern route
  • a cut and cover tunnel
  • a 'partial solution' that involves keeping the existing A303 near Stonehenge but closing the A344 at the junction with the A303.

Instead of these suggestions, CPRE and the Stonehenge Alliance advocate construction of a long bored tunnel under the stones, of a greater length than the 2.1 km route proposed by the Government. It is the most environmentally sensitive solution. Transport Ministers should fight harder for additional funding for a this solution, rather than ask people to choose from a range of inferior options. Stonehenge's unique historical landscape must be protected.

The M6 toll motorway
We're delighted the Government has abandoned plans for the M6 Expressway – a four lane, 50 mile tolled motorway which would have run near the existing M6 through Staffordshire and Cheshire countryside between Junction 11A and Junction 19. There had been overwhelming opposition to the scheme, with 9,313 of the 9,528 responses objecting. CPRE had campaigned strongly against the Expressway.

However, when it made its announcement in July 2006 the Government said it would go ahead with widening that stretch of the M6 from three to four lanes on each carriageway. CPRE strongly opposes this, because the damage from the motorway – in terms of noise, loss of tranquil countryside, air pollution and greenhouse gas emissions – will increase substantially. Widening will generate extra car and lorry journeys. We favour more sustainable alternatives, based on improved public transport and reducing the demand for travel.