Written evidence submitted by Walberton Parish Council (SRI0045)

The Parish Council gives evidence to the effect that from its experience on the A27 that RISS2 has not been well managed, be it its risks, budgets, stakeholder management or development of options for roads or even the delivery of their options. For example, and from our experience, it is recognised by almost all that the A27 needs to be upgraded. However, this does not seem to be achievable under the RIS2 scheme. Attempts at creating a better road at Chichester have been abandoned whilst those around Arundel have been bogged down in constant threat of Judicial review. This later part is wholly the responsibility of the National Highways who have mismanaged the development of this scheme.

It would be better and more efficient to invest in innovative road schemes that meet the local requirements through early and meaningful stakeholder engagement with those communities most impacted, as opposed to just doing the minimum of engaging with statutory stakeholders. A spend to save policy for road scheme development would be more cost effective, allowing for local input to “brainstorming” requirements and possible solutions that all can sign up to. This would create local buy in. Instead local communities are left feeling that the minimum is done and that the roads will just be forced on them.

Also it seems that National Highways have taken another option, though more costly, one of statutory consultation only, with a heavy reliance on “legal” advice to inform decisions. Lawyers don’t make roads nor do they design them, and as is proving with the A27 they seem to underestimate the public lack of good will to such “design by law”.

The key impacts and delays are the lack of meaningful presentation of design information, generally called transparency in decision making, which is a requirement of consultation. This just leads to questioning of the designs and therefore delays as the lack of basic information and decision making means re-consultations, such as the supplementary consultation on the A27 Arundel bypass due to lack of informing the public of  possible decision that there would be no golf course, or that the modelling of road impacts. The later is almost definitely a cost saving, as it can be done, which in the long run is leading to delay s which will only increase costs.

A “get it right first time” attitude seems to be missing from National Highways, as is a ”do it right the right way”. This is evident across the portfolio of roads, from A27 to A303 and further north.

To get it right the roads have to be considered in their entirety. If the A27 is deemed needing of enhancement then do so but do it along the whole scheme, from Portsmouth to Brighton. Anything less is meaningless.

Do it right in the right way means proper meaningful road data and modelling as well as meaningful consultation. Not just going through the motions and presenting the minimum.

Also use innovation to enhance the current road scheme not making whole new ones. For example, a flyover at Arundel would be the cheapest, most cost effective and least impact on environment or setting of the area whilst being an answer to the problem. The same would be true at Fontwell.

The Building of new roads in and around flood plains does not align with government policies nor the decarbonisation. Enhancing current roads would

February 2023