FTA: Stonehenge improvements needed for freight haulage firms
Date: 13 August 2007
The Freight Transport Association (FTA) is calling on the government to make improvements to a vital freight haulage trade route near Stonehenge.
Very little progress has been made since a 2004 public inquiry recommended a dual carriageway be developed on the A303, including a 2.1 kilometre tunnel, which would speed up freight haulage trucks' journeys.
"Stonehenge is one of Britain's treasures and it is flanked by a highly important trade route, the A303," said FTA south-west regional policy manager Ian Gallagher.
"We have all waited far too long for a decision on what is to be done to mitigate the visual intrusion at this world heritage site, and to improve the quality of this essential economic route to the South West of England."
The group is urging the new transport secretary, Ruth Kelly, to push plans forward.
"If our prehistoric ancestors could construct something as complex and inspiring as Stonehenge, then why is it so difficult for our 21st century government to provide us with a bypass which would benefit both environment and economy?" Mr Gallagher asked.
According to the Times, the government's preferred solution to the problem is not for a tunnel, but to re-route the A303 to the north of the monument. This option is not likely to be so beneficial for couriers and freight haulage companies.
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