Greens welcome Chichester A27 scheme being dropped

Green MEP for the South East Keith Taylor has called the decision to drop the Chichester A27 scheme a '˜massive victory for the local community'.
Green MEP Keith Taylor visits site of possible new route for the A27 last year. Photo by Derek Martin SUS-160902-184230008Green MEP Keith Taylor visits site of possible new route for the A27 last year. Photo by Derek Martin SUS-160902-184230008
Green MEP Keith Taylor visits site of possible new route for the A27 last year. Photo by Derek Martin SUS-160902-184230008

It follows transport secretary Chris Grayling cancelling the Chichester project completely. Full story here

“This is a massive victory for Green campaigners and the local community who have long been united in opposition to the Government’s short-sighted and unsustainable plans for a Chichester bypass,” Mr Taylor said.

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“During the consultation process, it was abundantly clear that all of the five options were equally unpopular and environmentally damaging.

“Never-ending and destructive road widening is simply not the answer to our transport woes.

“I urge the Government to now make the funds available for alternative long-term solutions to the traffic problems the people of Chichester are facing.

“The hundreds of millions of pounds originally committed to this project would be far better spent investing in sustainable public transport options, directed by local communities, to reduce traffic.

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“And it’s local groups like Campaign for Better Transport and the Chichester and Bognor Regis Green Party that are at the forefront of an alternative, sustainable, vision for infrastructure in Chichester.

“Upgrading rail facilities, launching a comprehensive new bus system, investing in cycling infrastructure are just some of the ways to deliver sustainable small-scale solutions to Chichester’s congestion problems.

“These joined-up solutions could provide relief for local communities and ensure travellers who want to travel from Honiton to Folkestone are not caught up in local congestion points – which was the original purpose of the A27 proposals.

“A move towards sustainable mobility will also help address the urgent environmental need to reduce the traffic on our roads.”

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