Road Cuttings
We're Right - It's Official
The report of DoT advisers SACTRA was published (19/12/94), concluding that road building generates traffic - surprise surprise! This undermines the whole theoretical basis of roadbuildtag..... this massively significant hypocritically pious tome was accompanied by an announcement postponing several schemes (but converting some to the horrible DBFO private finance system, which encourages traffic growth....)
Newbury - Bulldozer Free Zone!
The A34 Newbury Bypass, more damaging even than Twyford Down, HAS BEEN POSTPONED!
In a major announcement Transport Secretary Dr. MoreWhining has called off the diggers for at least a year, while he looks at all options.... how about traffic reduction, Brian? The current plans will surely never now be built.
This is a huge victory; respect is due to the local Third Battle of Newbury group; set up in March, won in December! A broad range of national environment groups, working together, played a part, as did two protest camps en route, and 4 EC complaints!
However, postponement euphoria has begun to disperse, as the local Lib-Dem MP is out collecting signatures to get the bypass reinstated.
Write to Dr. Brian Mawhinney, (DoT, 2 Marsham Street, LONDON, SW1P 3EB) to congratulate him on postponing the Newbury Bypass, and asking for more of the same!
The 3rd Battle group is starting to develop a coherent integrated transport plan. This is our first real chance to show the positive alternative to more cars and more roads, for Newbury CONTACT RA!
A30 - Exeter-Honiton
The main contract for this scheme has been POSTPONED!
The contract will be redrafted as a private shadow toll scheme.
Sadly, the preliminary contract has destroyed many of the trees, but the postponement will allow the campaign to build further resistance.... activists still needed! Most of the 15 mile route has been cleared of trees, hedges and top soil, there are two copses about five miles apart being defended by not enough people. Inside info leads the campaign to believe that these will be attacked in the next two weeks.
They are desperate for a video camera, workers are not stopping when people climb onto their machines, they have been shaking people off excavator arms.
They have also started campaigning against the A303-A30 - Honiton - Ilminster. It’s all happening and they do need help. A twenty-strong action was marred when a woman was kicked in the head by an irate digger driver. Another driver is due to face assault charges in the near future.
More actions are planned, please bring a video camera to catch the violent aggressors. People needed now! Tel: (01392) 424469.
M11, East London
The protests will be continuing, with a huge action in January., and more fun to come. “Tel: 0181 558 2638 or 0181 9898741.
Twyford Down
The infamous cutting finally opened fully to dual 3-lane traffic (15/12/94). There was no opening ceremony; the cosmos felt a deep unease.
British Roads Federation (BRF)
At the time of going to press, there is a demo happening at the London HQ of the sinister British Roads Federation, the heart of the roads lobby. These torrid people will only be happy when all trees are a stone’s throw from a dual carriageway. Express your democratic right to abuse them. Phone: 141 - 0171 703 9769 Fax: 141 - 0171 701 0029
Coast Against Road Building (SCAR)
South Coast Against Road building lit beacon fires along the south coast on 13/1/95, to publicise their campaign against the south coast superhighway. Precursor to direct action hopefully along the A27 and adjacent road schemes. Tel : 01273 777299
Reclaim The Streets!
There will be a day of radical pro-walking, anti-traffic action on Thurs. 2nd and Feb. in London. Contact 0181 521 4550 after 20/1/95