Clark takes up rival policy to oppose A64 dualling (From Gazette & Herald)

Clark takes up rival policy to oppose A64 dualling

A LIBERAL member of Ryedale District Council intends to try to convince the council to withhold support for dualling the A64.

And Coun John Clark says he will take a plank from the platform of the Liberal Democrats to do that at the next meeting of Ryedale District Council.

He will argue that Liberal Democrat party policies on the reduction of pollution, congestion and road traffic, particularly in environmentally-sensitive areas, are in direct contradiction with proposed work on the road.

"I'm not in any way convinced about the dualling of the A64. There's a clear need to look at some road junctions but not to cover vast areas of countryside in tarmac in order for people to drive faster," said Coun Clark.

Until now, councillors have supported dual carriageway on the entire Leeds to Scarborough road. Mr Clark will propose that the council withdraws from the coalition of councils and organisations which supports the plan. These include North Yorkshire County Council, Scarborough Borough Council, the Highways Agency, Yorkshire Forward and MPs for Scarborough and Ryedale, Lawrie Quinn (Lab) and John Greenway (Con).

"Local councillors are expected to stand by these policies. You can't say it's wrong to use resources and increase pollution and then say it's all right to do it in your corner of the country," said Coun Clark.

"I want to say to Liberal Democrat councillors: 'Are you sure you know what you are doing?'"

Coun Helen Schroeder (Lib Dem) said: "I do believe that the A64 is an appallingly dangerous road and I think dualling it will make it safer.

"Putting our heads in the sand and saying we don't want improvement isn't going to reduce the traffic.

"Safety and economy are the two reasons I feel that Ryedale and Scarborough need a better road.

"I understand Coun Clark's point, and in many ways sympathise with it, but I think we need to live in the real world and take the pragmatic view."

Coun Clark is unconvinced by the argument for economic benefit. According to a broad-based report prepared for the supporting councils, the number of tourism jobs created for Scarborough by the entire dualling of the road would be 365, while there would only be 35 for Ryedale.

The major benefit to Ryedale from the road improvement would be an increase in road safety and a reduction in death by accident.

But, argues Coun Clark, the more effective way to do this would be to invest in public transport - for example, re-opening the Pickering to Malton railway line.

So far, there has been no public consultation about the A64 dualling proposal, he said, with the report now in place, lobbying of ministers and the EU is set to start shortly.

"These road improvements will cost approximately £250m," said Coun Clark. "It's time everyone starting thinking very seriously about whether or not this road is really in Ryedale's best interests."

Updated: 09:31 Wednesday, October 29, 2003