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12 July 2010 for immediate release

Abandon the North West Relief Road and follow public opinion by improving bus, cycle and park & ride facilities. That’s the message from campaigners against the North West Relief Road after Shropshire Council published its report on its recent consultation exercise.

Andy Boddington, Chairman of CPRE Shropshire says: “The consultation gives a clear message. Two thirds of people who responded to the survey say that public transport, walking, cycling, and park and ride facilities should be the top priority. Less than half list the North West Relief Road as their main priority and nearly a third of those who commented say the road should not be built.”

65% say that public transport, walking, cycling, and park and ride facilities should be the top priority. 45% list the North West Relief Road as their main priority. 31% say the NWRR should not be built.

Andy continues: “This is a really exciting result from the consultation. Even though more than half the people consulted said they would like to see the North West Relief Road built, the public are clear that their main priority lies in environmentally friendly transport.”

Geoff Black, convenor of the No Way! Group believes the survey gives the Council the arguments it needs to throw the road proposal out for good. “On Tuesday evening, Shropshire Council has an opportunity to call a halt to this environmentally destructive project. But while the road still exists in council plans and planners’ imaginations, it will draw financial and staff resources away from the public’s main priority. That priority is improving alternatives to driving.”

The Development Services Scrutiny Panel will review Shropshire Council’s involvement with the NWRR on Tuesday 13 July at 7pm.

Geoff continues: “Improving cycling, walking, bus and park and ride facilities provides a relatively low cost solution to Shrewsbury’s traffic issues. They are solutions that can be implemented now. There will be no money for the North West Relief Road in the current financial climate. Even when public finances improve, it is unlikely that this road will be a priority against other more pressing needs. On Tuesday, the council has the opportunity to say “no” to this road. It must do so and concentrate its limited resources on more effective and environmentally friendly solutions.”

The Survey Results

• 85% of people responding say improved public transport services frequency, quality and facilities is important. Just 5% disagree.
• 79% say Shrewsbury needs improved Park and Ride capacity, frequency and extended  operating hours. Just 5% disagree.
• 75% say Shrewsbury needs improved footpaths and crossing points for pedestrians. 7% disagree.
• 68% say create more cycle paths/lanes and secure cycle parking, with just 13% disagreeing.
• 60% say build the North West Relief Road, but 31% say it should not be built. Only 55% of people responding in Shrewsbury want the road.

When asked what their first preference was amongst these options, 65% wanted improvements to public transport, and to walking, cycling and park and ride facilities, compared to just 45% for the North West Relief Road.

Respondents were also asked how effective the different solutions would be:

• 86% say improving public transport services frequency, quality and facilities will be effective
• 86% say improved Park and Ride
• 67% say building the North West Relief Road
• 56% say improved footpaths and crossing points for pedestrians
• 54% say creating more cycle paths/lanes and secure cycle parking