A legal challenge launched against the multi-million-pound dualling schemes on the A47 in Norfolk will be decided at a Court hearing listed for the 10 and 11 May.
The fate of three schemes will be determined, a revamp of the Thickthorn roundabout on the edge of Norwich and dualling stretches of the road from Blofield to North Burlingham and from Easton to North Tuddenham. The schemes were all given the go-ahead by the Secretary of State last year after recommendations by planning inspectors.
However, climate change activist Dr Andrew Boswell, a former Green councillor on the Norwich City Council and Norfolk County Council, launched a legal challenge, claiming the decisions were unlawful. He argued the impact of carbon emissions which would result from the schemes had not been properly addressed, with the cumulative effect of all the schemes not considered.
His application for what is known as a judicial review was accepted and a Judge will consider the evidence to decide whether the decisions to approve the schemes were lawful or not.
David Pett of the Stop Wensum Link Campaign Group says: ‘The significance of this hearing goes beyond just meeting the national carbon target. Its outcome will also determine the fate of the Norwich Western Link Road. If there is a major delay in the A47 schemes, there are doubts as to whether the Norfolk County Council will proceed with the road. We need to consider this case as an opportunity to re-evaluate national road projects and prioritise sustainable transport solutions for the future.’
The challenge has meant National Highways have stalled the start of work on the schemes, while the ultimate decision of the court could yet prevent the projects from happening at all. Glen Owen, senior project manager for National Highways' regional investment programme in the East, said, "We continue to work with the Department for Transport ahead of the hearing and remain committed to delivering these important projects, which have been specifically designed to increase safety and help to reduce congestion on the A47."
Dr Boswell, who has raised almost £40,000 for his legal fees through crowdfunding, said he was looking forward to the opportunity to present his evidence in court. He said: "I think there will be quite a presence at the High Court from local people and nationally too. This case is at the forefront of challenging the government over climate inaction."
The A47 schemes were originally announced in 2014, by then-Prime Minister David Cameron. There was £300m earmarked for Norfolk schemes, along with other improvements in Cambridgeshire. Mr Cameron had said work would start by 2020, but the three biggest Norfolk projects were only granted development consent last year.
The legal challenge against the A47 dualling schemes in Norfolk highlights the need to prioritise sustainable transport solutions for the future. The case is an opportunity to re-evaluate national road projects and consider alternatives that don't have such a significant impact on carbon emissions.
Richard Black of BBC News emphasised the importance of considering cumulative limits to cut carbon emissions and balance the effort on CO2 with effort on short-lived climate forcing agents. To avoid dangerous climate change, there are only two options, namely ban the use of fossil carbon entirely or accept its use and sequester the resulting CO2.
The judgment of the High Court on the A47 dualling schemes will play a significant role in determining future infrastructure projects' sustainability. The outcome of the hearing will potentially shape the development of the Norwich Western Link Road and other similar projects in the future. It is crucial for the government to focus on sustainable solutions that prioritise the environment and ensure progress towards meeting the carbon target.
It's not too late to contribute to Mr Boswell's Crowdfunding. Here is the link.