News & Press
Quieter Motorways Move a Step Closer | 11 May 2010
The M40 Chilterns Environment Group (M40CEG) has presented its proposals for the M40 motorway to the Department for Transport (DfT).
The M40CEG's proposals for introducing quieter stretches along the Wycombe district section of the M40 are being considered by the DfT under the Sustainable Communities Act (SCA), which became law in April this year.
In a meeting chaired by Wycombe District council - hoped to be the first in a number of meetings to be held on matters relating to quieting the M40 - M40CEG outlined their submission under the SCA and sought the DfT's feedback in order to improve the chances of their submission being implemented.
Aside from the SCA issues, the DfT stated that they had adopted a Noise Action Plan, but pointed out that the Plan is at development stage while they explore issues of feasibility and affordability within the guidelines the Noise Action Plan will finally contain.
The DfT further stated that it welcomed the input from M40CEG, input which will be incorporated in to the developmental process of their Noise Action Plan.
After meeting with the DfT, M40CEG chair, Ken Edwards said that while welcoming the involvement of the DfT in the initial scrutiny stages of his group's strategy for reducing traffic noise, he also looked forward to further meetings which would include other governmental departments such as Defra and the LGA. He went on to say: "The group's activity is driven by the long standing desire of local people to improve our quality of life - the outcome will test election promises to increase people power."
The M40CEG now await feedback from the DfT concerning their six point plan, observations which will then be discussed in further meetings with the DfT, Defra and the LGA. All parties agreed that they hoped the positive momentum built at these initial stages would continue in the future meetings of all those involved in the SCA.