Opposition to tunnel heard at inquiry

Opposition to tunnel heard at inquiry

It is claimed a new tunnel would help improve traffic flow

Opponents of plans to build a second Tyne Tunnel have been putting their case to the public inquiry on Wednesday.

The inquiry opened in early March after five years of argument over whether the tunnel should be built.

Planners say the new £140m scheme is needed to ease congestion in the existing tunnel, and to meet increased traffic demands in the future.

The hearing was extended into the evening so people at work could make representations.

The Passenger Transport Authority (PTA) is proposing the second tunnel to reduce congestion at existing crossings.

But some Tyneside residents and pressure groups say the tunnel will create disruption while being built, and be bad for the environment when completed.

The current tunnel would be converted to take only northbound traffic.

The Tyne and Wear PTA has said the tunnel must be built if congestion on the A19 is to be reduced.