New roads generate more traffic

The answer to Colne traffic problems is not a bypass.

It is a fact that new roads generate more traffic. What we need are traffic flow management measures, such as those installed in Poynton, Cheshire, which has a busy main trunk route passing through it. The main feature of their scheme involved replacing traffic lights with roundabouts and creating shared space between pedestrians and road traffic.

It has transformed the environment with traffic moving steadily without congestion or jams. In my view, installing such a project in the North Valley would be a far cheaper option than building a bypass, which would wreck the environment carving its way through biological heritage sites, damaging the heritage protected canal tunnel area and crossing a flood plain which would increase the risk of flooding.

Further, it would be far more relevant to the situation in Colne. It has been calculated most of the traffic coming off the M65 into Colne is destined either for Colne or is going through on the A6068 Keighley Road (60%) with 40% of traffic travelling on the A56 to Skipton.

I hope Pendle Council will seriously consider this option when it debates the bypass proposals.

David Penney

Green Party