Readers of this blog who do not know the Tunbridge Wells area may be surprised to learn that the dual-carriageway A21 road from the M25 peters out in to a single lane carriageway at Tonbridge. The single lane road is notorious: there have been many accidents, serious injuries and deaths over the years. It is also highly congested. A few miles further on there is a roundabout, the road off to the left leads to the new hospital, the road to the right to Tunbridge Wells retail park, leisure complex and industrial estate. The A21 continues straight on as a dual carriageway. There is often heavy congestion at this roundabout.
To deal with these problems the government has agreed, after years of intensive lobbying, to dual the single lane road between Tonbridge and Tunbridge Wells and build a flyover for the A21 at the roundabout.
The Green Party is reported in today's Kent on Sunday thus:
Hazel Dawe, Green Party candidate for Tunbridge Wells, said:“Kent Green Party does not believe that road building solves congestion problems. What is really needed are measures to make public transport and cycling more attractive alternatives to the car on this route.”
Mrs Dawe added: “We welcome the fact the Highways Agency will be calling a public inquiry to take a closer look at the justification for this road project. This is an opportunity to save the £125m which would be wasted on A21 dualling and spend these resources on traffic reduction measures including better bus services.”
Now it strikes me that if you are ill and need an ambulance to rush you to the new hospital then the new road will be a boon and potentially a life-saver. The Green Party would prefer you to die as it peddles the idea of bicycle routes and better public transport.
There is of course a public transport alternative already: it's called the railway, but it is at near full capacity between Tonbridge and Orpington.
What use is a better bus service if it is caught up in the traffic? The Green Party's policy is nuts Hazel.
To deal with these problems the government has agreed, after years of intensive lobbying, to dual the single lane road between Tonbridge and Tunbridge Wells and build a flyover for the A21 at the roundabout.
The Green Party is reported in today's Kent on Sunday thus:
Hazel Dawe, Green Party candidate for Tunbridge Wells, said:“Kent Green Party does not believe that road building solves congestion problems. What is really needed are measures to make public transport and cycling more attractive alternatives to the car on this route.”
Mrs Dawe added: “We welcome the fact the Highways Agency will be calling a public inquiry to take a closer look at the justification for this road project. This is an opportunity to save the £125m which would be wasted on A21 dualling and spend these resources on traffic reduction measures including better bus services.”
Now it strikes me that if you are ill and need an ambulance to rush you to the new hospital then the new road will be a boon and potentially a life-saver. The Green Party would prefer you to die as it peddles the idea of bicycle routes and better public transport.
There is of course a public transport alternative already: it's called the railway, but it is at near full capacity between Tonbridge and Orpington.
What use is a better bus service if it is caught up in the traffic? The Green Party's policy is nuts Hazel.
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