Support for Judicial Review of Arundel Bypass - better alternatives are available

A peaceful rally was held today (24 May) ahead of the South Downs National Park Authority meeting to discuss Highway’s England’s proposed route for a new Arundel Bypass. Six people addressed the Authority at the meeting, asking them to protect the special qualities of this beautiful and much loved area. The Park Authority has now announced it will seek a Judicial Review to challenge Highways England's proposed route.

A range of groups have been calling for better alternatives to building a new dual carriageway which will go through the national park as well as ancient woodland. The South Coast Alliance for Transport and the Environment recently published a report setting out a range of sustainable transport options which have not been properly looked at by Highways England nor West Sussex County Council.

Friends of the Earth believes that investing in alternative smarter transport schemes, alongside improvements to the A27 must be a priority.

Brenda Pollack, South East Campaigner at Friends of the Earth and Executive Committee member of SCATE said:

“The rally showed how much people care about our beautiful countryside. We need 21st Century solutions to tackle traffic in this area. There should be a thorough assessment and funded plans for better public transport, walking and cycling facilities. These changes are what will encourage a shift away from unnecessary car use.

“The government, via Highways England, must stop ploughing through the South Downs National Park and ancient woodland and look at sensible and sustainable alternative options. Building new roads will only exacerbate our already polluted air and is a step backwards if we want to avoid the worst impacts of climate change." 

Friends of the Earth is a member of the South Coast Alliance for Transport and the Environment (SCATE).  SCATE recently published a “New Transport Vision for the Sussex Coast”, which sets out measures to improve people’s transport choices without the need for expensive and highly damaging road schemes.