More doubts over South Bristol Ring Road
Written by Pete Goodwin Tuesday, 02 February 2010
A South Bristol Link could be set back, as critics challenge a lack of supporting evidence.
At Thursday's meeting of the West of England Joint Transport Executive Committee members will be asked to delay or cancel the scheme in favour of something better.
South Bristol Green Party's statement to the Committee likens the case for the South Bristol Link to the 'dodgy dossier' drawn up to justify the invasion of Iraq.
Spokesman Pete Goodwin explains:
"Just like the Iraq dossier, it seriously lacks hard evidence, it's selective, it relies on hearsay, and its driven by ideology and a deadline. "
The Greens statement goes on to suggest sixteen questions whose answers are essential to fill the gaps in the case for the £50 million new road and BRT links between Hengrove and Long Ashton.
When plans for the Link came under scrutiny from members of all the West of England councils, they too complained of the 'incompleteness' of the arguments for the Link, and called for much more persuasive evidence if it is to go ahead.
Other objectors are expected to be heard at the meeting, highlighting many of the scheme's failings and calling for the the money to be diverted to a better-performing scheme.
The Greens have sent an advance copy of their statement and questions to council officers who are working on the bid, so that they can have answers available when the Committee meets on Thursday (4th Feb, 10am at Frys Club, Keynsham.)
Contact: Pete Goodwin, 01275 543280 or This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it