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Government approves four lane road tunnel under the River Thames

news release

Friends of the Earth, reacts to the Government’s approval of a new four lane road tunnel under the Thames between Greenwich and Newham

Jenny Bates, air pollution campaigner for Friends of the Earth, said:

“The government has approved the four lane Silvertown road tunnel using shady logic. They argue that it’s OK for some people who would already be facing illegal levels of air pollution, to have their situation made even worse – because other areas in London would be even worse still, and so it wouldn’t be this project which holds up the city’s ability to comply with legal limits.

“Government guidance which allows already illegal air pollution to be made worse is, we believe, in breach of EU law. The government should not be relying on this guidance, and should instead be putting people’s health first.

“Road-building schemes such as this should have no place in a modern capital’s transport system where the Mayor wants to cut traffic levels and lower air pollution. A full package of cleaner alternatives including walking, cycling and public transport infrastructure would be far better for the health of Londoners, and the attractiveness of the area.”

ENDS

For the relevant section of the Secretary of State’s decision letter (the conclusion on Air Quality, paragraphs 47-49 inclusive ) see here 

 

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