With the continuing work on constructing a new wider and bigger A30 road between Chiverton cross and Carland cross, what is missing is a recognition that apart from the environmental degradation this has created is that it will not solve the problem of congestion. A news report states “Traffic flows on the A30 are forecast to rise by up to 29% to 2038, and the removal of the current roundabout will aim to help meet two of National Highways’ objectives for the scheme, to remove congestion and improve safety along the route.”
Various research studies have revealed that new roads generate more traffic and after a short period of time, traffic levels are the same as and then higher than they were prior to the ‘improvement’. The information below is from a 2017 report. For more details why not download and read the full report?
“Why road schemes generate traffic There are many reasons why a new road, or an increase in capacity on an existing road, might lead to more traffic overall. Short term: * Mode shift: improved traffic flow makes driving relatively more attractive than bus / train etc., so some people switch mode. * Destination change: higher road speeds allow drivers to choose more distant destinations than before. * More trips: higher road speeds mean drivers make additional trips (that they would not otherwise have bothered to make). Long-term: *Mode shift: Less demand for public transport (because more people are driving) leads to service cutbacks, so public transport users have to switch to driving. *Mode shift: more traffic makes conditions worse / more dangerous for cycling, so people drive instead. *Destination change and mode shift: sites close to the road become quick to reach by car, so are developed for housing, business, retail or industry that over time replaces housing, business, retail or industry in more public transport-accessible locations (e.g. town centres).
The evidence of the last 20 years suggests that: *Any benefits of road schemes in terms of congestion relief are short-lived *Road schemes cause permanent environmental damage *The evidence that they deliver economic benefits is lacking."
The Impact of Road Projects in England. Lynn Sloman, Lisa Hopkinson and Ian Taylor, Transport for Quality of Life, March 2017.Commissioned by: CPRE.
Alternative policies to reduce traffic levels including providing alternative transport and restricting traffic generating activities are essential. It would have been better if the money spent on the new A30 had been spent on upgrading the bus service for example.
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