Presenting to the Public Inquiry into the proposed changes to Stockbury Roundabout today, Maidstone Greens have criticised the plans stating they are incompatible with the Paris Agreement on climate change and that the funds would be better spent on public transport provision along the route.
Stuart Jeffery, Maidstone Green Party: “I was pleased to be able to speak at the public inquiry this morning to present evidence that the scheme would be contrary to the Paris Agreement as it will facilitate the increase of traffic, in HE’s own admission, increasing CO2 emissions by 100 kt per annum by 2037.
“While national policy is in favour of road building, this does not mean that national policy is right. It is clear that national policy does not meet the requirements of the Paris Agreement. This was demonstrated in the courts earlier this year in respect of Heathrow runway three. Facts and morals trump laws and laws trump policy. It is morally necessary to prevent run away climate change and there is a factual need for urgent and significant reductions to CO2 emissions. Breaching the Paris Agreement would be a breach of international law and national policy is inconsequential in the face of law and morals.
“The money earmarked for the Stockbury scheme should be used to enhance public transport along the A249 making it much easier and cheaper to travel between Sittingbourne, Sheppey and Maidstone. It should be used to slow the speed of traffic to help local residents, such as those in Stockbury, access the A249 safely.”