Why new road bridge would be a bad thing

I AM writing in response to Jon Sebastian (“Footbridge not the right solution”, Opinion, July 14 July), who advocates a new road bridge.

The main consideration in any new transport project should surely now be how far it will help to address the increasingly urgent problems of climate change. Any proposal for a new road bridge across the Trent would surely be completely incompatible with the city council’s very important 2028

Carbon Neutral Action Plan. It would not just relieve congestion but be likely to worsen it by encouraging more motor traffic.

The emphasis now should be on giving much more priority to sustainable transport.

Such projects also have great public health benefits, including helping to reduce obesity, which, as we now know, has been one of the factors, along with high levels of air pollution, worsening the incidence of coronavirus.

Experience of several months of lockdown has also shown very clear evidence of increased walking and cycling. Surveys have made clear how keen people are to be able to do more of both, safely, without being intimidated by high levels of motor traffic.

Major active travel projects like the planned foot-cycle bridge are the best way of encouraging healthier and less polluting forms of travel.

To help achieve these aims we are very keen to work with the city council and other partners to help the bridge project include many upgraded and new connections on both sides of the Trent, helping people to enjoy more of the very attractive riverside environment in the whole of the Nottingham area and the areas close it, and increasing the extent and value of the walking and cycling network throughout Greater Nottingham and helping to bring about a cleaner, quieter, healthier and greener environment.

Hugh Mcclintock, Chair, Proposed Trent Lane (Poulton Drive) – Lady Bay footcycle bridge Steering Group

West Bridgford