LETTER: A27: Get funds and get on with it

I am very sure in my own mind the northern route is the obvious, no quibble answer. However, the whole issue is like ‘Brexit’. Despite all claims and counter claims, whichever option is chosen, no one really knows what the outcome will be. What is the point of spending huge amounts of money on ‘first aid’ to any southern route options? More funding would be needed in 15 years’ time, bringing costs way above a one off long term northern solution. Whatever reasons people of north and south of the city have, in the long term the decisions need to be made to enhance the future of travel for all the residents and businesses in this part of West Sussex.

Yes, the objectors to the northern route have their reasons for not wanting it on their patch, but Highways England and other governing bodies have a duty to provide the best for all. Once a northern route is up and running, within three or four years no one will know it’s there. Look at the A27 between Chichester and Emsworth. With the well planned lining of trees and shrubs you need to be in an aeroplane to see where it is. The same would go for the route as it extends over the edge of the National Park.

In the early 90s the Highways Agency produced figures stating only 40 per cent of traffic was through traffic and that a northern route would have little impact on the problems of congestion. Who were they kidding – 40 per cent is nearly half of all traffic movement. If those figures are similar now, then bring it on! What luxury for both sides of the city.

No need to spend anything on the existing A27 south, apart from maybe traffic lights at a couple of roundabouts and closure of the Oving crossing. There is still time to do the right thing now. To Highways England and Local Authorities, knock sense into everyone. Get the additional funding by whatever means, and get on with it!

Alan Stewart

Hawthorn Road, Bognor Regis