Member Article

Second Tyne crossing legal challenge fails

A legal challenge against the Government’s decision to approve a second Tyne tunnel has failed. The challenge raised by South Tyneside resident, Mr Atkinson questioned the validity of the Secretary of State’s decision to approve the immersed tube tunnel between East Howdon (North Tyneside) and Jarrow (South Tyneside) on the grounds that the environmental impact had not been properly investigated. Mr Atkinson is a member of Friends of the Earth but was acting as an individual in this case.The judgement delivered by the High Court in London means that Tyne and Wear Passenger Transport Authority (TWPTA) can now press ahead with procuring the much-needed second vehicle tunnel. TWPTA chairman Councillor David Wood, said: “This is great news. “The New Tyne Crossing is vital to the economic prospects of Tyne and Wear and surrounding areas. It will stimulate investment and job creation which will benefit local communities. “We now want to concentrate wholly on the business of appointing a Concessionaire who will build and operate the new tunnel and look forward to work beginning next year.”

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Ruth Mitchell .