The UK government has recently announced plans to increase spending on the construction of new roads in the hope of bringing more people into our city centres. Businesses owners are currently showing immense support for the decision, but many people are worried this could cause inflated levels of traffic and thus cause even more congestion than we’re experiencing at the moment. So, we’re left with the question, will the government’s new scheme help or hinder the average British motorist?
In trying to find an answer to this conundrum, we got in touch with some road traffic specialists who told us:
“Building new roads and encouraging more people to travel into different areas will be a welcomed move for shop owners and retail outlets, but we believe it will increase automobile sales and thus result in more cars on the road. Obviously, this is a negative factor that many environmental campaigners are criticizing.”
So, are we to look at this move from the perspective of business owners or that of environmental campaigners? Well, that depends on what you consider to be more important; a thriving economy or reduced pollution.
We all know how badly some people have been suffering over the last few years thanks to the global economic downturn, and so any extra spending is certain to help boost our current outlook. That said; if more cars on the road means higher pollution levels that have the potential to contribute to global warming, the idea of worrying about our economy becomes slightly trivial. Indeed, what difference do financial issues make if our planet is no longer inhabitable?
Whatever your personal opinion on the matter, there are a few undeniable advantages to building new roads in the UK. Those with experience working on such projects will find themselves with more job opportunities, and companies like Road Markings UK have the potential to obtain seriously large contracts.
We got in touch with a leading environmental campaign group who told us:
“We understand completely the benefits of building new road and opening up new areas to motorists, but our concern lies solely with the impact such projects could have on the environment. These roads will undoubtedly weave through previously undeveloped areas of land, which means they could seriously disturb wildlife, whilst also increasing toxicity levels within the localised atmosphere.”
They went on to say that:
“All we’re asking for is some details from the government concerning their plans and knowledge of whether any environmental impact assessments have been completed. We’re certainly not against progression, and we do see the need for a new road network in British, but we need certain assurances before we can give the project our blessing.”
It looks unlikely the government will be addressing any of the campaigners concerns for a while yet, but Number 10 has promised they will release a full and frank reply in due course. So, we want to put it out there to all the readers of this news blog. What are your opinions on the move? Do you see it as ruining our pristine ecosystem, or a means to create more business and thus improve our overall economic outlook?
Answers on a postcard!
