CLLR Mathew (Letters, January13) claims that I have not read expert evidence on the relative merits of the A30/A303 dualling versus the A358/M5 upgrade. I can assure him that I have indeed read the Halcrow report commissioned by the Government Office for the South West to examine transport options for the London to Exeter corridor. The study assessed ten categories of environmental impact to compare the two options. For six of these, including greenhouse gas emissions, the report concluded that there was no significant difference between the two routes. The A358 was found to be the less damaging option for the remaining four categories which were landscape, townscape, heritage and biodiversity. In typical consultant-speak they concluded that the impact of the A303/A30 proposal on biodiversity would be a ?very serious negative?, ie, extremely damaging. There is absolutely no basis for claiming an environmental case for A30/A303 dualling. However, no new road will not provide an environmentally sustainable solution to the transport problems of the South West. Better public transport (an upgrade of the parallel rail line from Salisbury to Exeter would be a good start) and measures to reduce the growth in travel demand are needed. Unfortunately, there is no sign of such an approach from New Labour or Mr Mathew?s Tory party. Martin Quinn West Devon Green Party 61 Old Exeter Road Tavistock
