John Penrose

Conservative Party | Weston-super-Mare

Weston-super-Mare MP tackles Cabinet Minister on transport links built into possible Severn Barrage

Weston-super-Mare MP John Penrose has written to Secretary of State John Hutton asking whether a possible Severn Barrage would have a road or rail link built on top of it.

 

Mr Penrose is concerned because, at the last meeting of the Severn Barrage Tidal Power Feasibility Study Forum, Mr Hutton stated that the Government did not think there should be transport links because there would not be sufficient demand to justify the additional cost. As yet however, the Government has not released any analysis on the issue and Mr Penrose is concerned that the option has not been properly considered.

 

Mr Penrose said: “If a barrage is built then putting a road or rail link along the top could be hugely important. It could provide a third road link across the Severn estuary, or a rail crossing as an alternative or in addition to the ageing and high maintenance Severn Tunnel. Of course it may prove that such links will not be cost effective, but nonetheless the Government should publish a proper analysis to show that it's been thoroughly considered. If they shelve the idea right at the start of the evaluation process, people will want to know why.

 

“The Government needs to be as open as possible on this issue and to make a well rounded and comprehensive analysis for all the schemes that have so far been proposed. I have written to the Minister demanding that an analysis is published and look forward to his reply.”