There may be a forced reduction in the speed limit to 50 mph between junction 4 and 4A to address the concerning high level of air

Current air pollution may lead to 50mph speed limit at M3 Motorway between junction 4 and 4A

There may be a forced reduction in the speed limit to 50 mph between junction 4 and 4A to address the concerning high level of air pollution (specifically nitrogen dioxide), as reported on the frontpage of 3 August’s Surrey-Hants Star newspaper: click here

The graph is a (simplified) extract from one of Rushmoor’s recent air quality reports.

The graph indicates that the measured level of nitrogen dioxide (NO2) has previously exceeded the target (AQO) and although there was an improvement during 2003 the indication is that nitrogen dioxide is now close to exceeding the target again.

The supporting Rushmoor Air Quality Action Plan refers to Heavy Duty Vehicles (lorries and buses) being only 6% of the traffic, but accounting for 45% of the pollution!

What will be the impact of a 24 x 7 HGV generating Mega Depot?

Thank you Astral Development for referring to the £700M Dibden Bay Port Terminal development (near Southampton) in your Pyestock Environmental Statement. Not only did our research find that the Dibden Bay development was refused on environmental grounds! It also strengthens our campaign against the inappropriately located 24 x 7 HGV generating Pyestock Mega Depot proposal. Was the vicinity of Dibden Bay part of the Pru’s reasoning for spending £54M on Pyestock North…

Research by campaigners against Dibden identified that the newest and cleanest HGV produces as much nitrogen dioxide emissions as 77 petrol cars, or 30 diesel cars (older HGVs do much worse). Nitrogen dioxide impairs respiratory cell function and damages blood capillaries and cells of the immune system. It is believed to increase susceptibility to infection and aggravate asthma.

What next?

The Highways Agency, who are responsible for the M3, are able to refuse the application for Pyestock on the grounds of the increase of air pollution and the potential health impact on residents of further and additional HGVs.

Rushmoor have already strongly objected to the Pyestock Mega Depot click here. There are already significant new (and planned) developments (Farnborough Business Park, Aldershot Urban Extension, etc) which will bring much additional traffic to the area. With such a massive Mega Depot they may have to consider HGV restrictions on their roads to safeguard their residents’ health.

Hart Council will have to seriously consider the Mega Depot plan with regards to the air quality issue. Hart Planning has confirmed that the nitrogen dioxide issue will be considered as part of the current independent air quality assessment. Also, Hart need to consider the implications in relation to planning policy PPS23 Planning and Pollution Control.

Road Damage

Also, HGVs due to their considerable weight are almost entirely responsible for road wear and tear. A 40 tonne, five axle HGV causes thousands of times more damage than an average car (source: Highways Agency).

So, if you are experiencing traffic issues from the recent closure of Cove Road for 5 weeks (legal duration is 6 months) due to resurfacing, then consider the massive and regular implications on Summit Avenue, Minley Link and the Railway Bridge as a result of an HGV generating Mega Depot at Pyestock!

This sign should apply to the 24 x 7 Pyestock Mega Depot application – the plan is just not appropriate!

Stop Pyestock bLot Act Today! Click here