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WAIT
Woodhead
Against Increased
Traffic
was formed in March 2006 as a result of concerns amongst
local residents following publication by the Highways
Agency of the planned Mottram – Tintwistle by-pass.
WAIT has recently formalised its structure through the
appointment of key organisational positions, which are
listed at the end of this information sheet.
We have produced a single sheet petition flyer which
people can sign to register their concern and, if possible,
indicate any assistance that they can offer to our campaign,
be that a financial donation or the willingness to help
deliver flyers to their local area. To obtain a copy
of this flyer please
click here >>>
Our campaign to date has focussed on raising public
awareness to the scheme and we would still ask anyone
who objects to the proposed scheme to write to the Highways
Agency, their local Councillors and MP to register their
concern so that their objection can be taken into account
at the forthcoming Public Inquiry -expected to take
place in mid 2007. We can supply the necessary addresses
for people to write to, again just get in touch with
a member of our press
contact list >>>
WAIT does not oppose a solution being found to the obvious
traffic problems experienced by the residents of the
Mottram -Tintwistle corridor but we strongly object
to the ‘solution’ merely transferring the
problem over the Pennines to our local communities.
The WAIT
campaign is receiving increasing support from surrounding
local Parish Councils as communities adjacent to the
A628/A616T wake up to the potential impact of the proposed
by-pass on their communities if traffic congestion increases
to the expected levels if the proposed by-pass is pushed
through. This is not just a matter of local residents
concern - our local MP and Councillors have come out
opposing the by-pass.
Nearly 1500 objections have so far been received by
the Highways Agency who are reported to be staggered
by the level of opposition to their proposals. On the
7th July 2006 the Highways Agency announced that, due
to funding issues, the intended construction of the
by-pass has been postponed until the next five year
funding period beginning 2010/2011. WAIT sees this as
both vindication of its campaign and a cynical ploy
to deflect immediate attention away from the proposals
and will continue to oppose the current plans.
Barnsley Council, which is supporting the by-pass in
principle, believes it is essential for the growth of
the economy in Barnsley but has not, as yet, produced
any evidence to support their belief. They have asked
the Highways Agency to provide a raft of measures designed
to prevent traffic flows increasing but unfortunately
what they have asked for are long term measures and
as such they will have little appreciable short term
influence on traffic flows through our villages.
WAIT will continue to be a uniform and powerful lobby
group, providing a voice for local residents. WAIT intends
to contact, and work with, the lobby groups on both
sides of the Pennines so that together we can find a
workable solution to the current situation, but a solution
that enables us to live without traffic chaos, noise
and pollution worries.
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Our
main concerns
• the
increase in traffic that will result from the bypass
when it is opened, even with the proposed restraint
measures. The Highways Agency estimates an immediate
increase of 57% over Woodhead, a 50% increase on the
A628 corridor through Millhouse, Thurlstone and Penistone
and an increase of 22% on the A616T through Midhopestones
and Langsett, followed by even larger long-term increases.
These figures are based on the ‘route restraint
measures’ (4 sets of traffic lights) working effectively.
• the increase in the number of accidents. A forecast
rise of 41% that will result from the increased traffic
flow, resulting in partial or total closure of the Woodhead
Pass, causing traffic diversions that will have a serious
impact on businesses and residents in surrounding areas
such as Carlecotes, Dunford Bridge, Holmfirth and the
Holme Valley.
• the impact of the restraint measures (which include
the installation of traffic lights at the Flouch roundabout
on the A628) on local journeys and the effect of this
on residents and those who use the Peak District National
Park for recreational purposes.
• the environmental and visual impact of both the
bypass and the increased traffic flow, concerns that
are shared by residents' action groups in Mottram and
Tintwistle who are the intended beneficiaries of the
bypass (www.saveswallowswood.org.uk). Indeed, the most
popular solution in the Mottram – Tintwistle area
is a weight restriction on the A628, forcing HGV’s
to use the main motorway network, coupled with speed
monitoring to slow down speeding cars.
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