Contact: Andrew Lohmann 01892 xxxxx or 01892 xxxxx.
The Access to Hastings Multi-Modal Study is the first to involve
ordinary
people in the evaluation processes. The study recognises that high
level
of car dependency contribute to environmental and safety problems in
this
area. The study recognise disparity in perceptions and actualities. It
is disappointing that the study has not been as Multi-modal as we may
have
wished. We don't think the effect of additional traffic has been
mitigated,
or potential for expansion of access to Tunbridge Wells by rail that is
a feature of the town. The possibility of re-opening the line to Lewes,
and rail freight sidings at Longfield Road, and restoring dual track
working
to Hastings, has not been explored. The report acknowledges that
accident
rate at Castle Hill is equivalent to the national average for the road
type. The study compares an on-line with off-line road scheme and
predicts
that the former would better in this respect, but does not compare with
the road as it is. No noticeable short term traffic reductions on the
A26,
and no long term local benefit. Presumably we can expect more vehicle
traffic
to reduce Air quality and road safety in Sherwood, Longfield Road and
High
Brooms, for example. How will Cyclists and Pedestrians cross the A21 at
the Longfield Road? The study does not rate this problem, though
hospital
employees cycle across this junction. A wider road would exasperate
severance
of the two public footpaths at the Stud Farm and near the petrol
station.
We don't know how this will be addressed? Particular note is made of
the
adverse effect to the High Weald Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty
form
much of the length of the A21 studied. Though a environmental study has
not been carried out on the proposals in the study, Castle Hill is
designated
Metropolitan Green Belt, Kent Special Landscape Area, Special Nature
Conservancy
Interest, and Tuddley Wood RSPB nature reserve. There is also Hill Fort
(scheduled ancient monument). Building in the north Tunbridge Wells
will
follow result in loss to more of the natural environment.
Last changed; 14/09/09, 12/08/09