I AM appalled at the plans to build a new A14 between Ellington and Fenstanton. A large proportion of the traffic on the present A14 is east coast ports freight. This should not even be on the roads. It should be transported by canal or rail, and a proper

I AM appalled at the plans to build a new A14 between Ellington and Fenstanton.

A large proportion of the traffic on the present A14 is east coast ports freight. This should not even be on the roads. It should be transported by canal or rail, and a proper heavy rail network built.

The plans flout all known principles of mass passenger transportation which, as a long-term strategy, can be achieved only by train or tram. See, for example, the new systems in Bordeaux, Montpellier and Paris.

The proposed road will further pollute the area and will increase the volume of vehicles that are environmentally harmful.

The pollution caused will include exhaust fumes, noise, the destruction of large tracts of hitherto unspoiled countryside, and the extermination of much wildlife.

The proximity of the proposed route to Godmanchester will seriously impair the integrity of this historic Roman town.

The plans represent a callous disregard for the established causes of global warming, and fail even to mention the critical issue of prevailing wind direction.

JOHN DILLISTONE, Saxon Close, Godmanchester

* IT is the Highways Agency that has missed the point. May I suggest that The Hunts Post headline got it wrong (December 13). Yes the further consultations on the A14 are being considered together but the public is being misled by the consultation literature and much of the coverage in The Hunts Post.

The consultation document does not make it clear that no decision has been made about the viaduct that carries the Huntingdon and Godmanchester by-pass over the Brampton Road, nor does it give the opportunity for further comment. Indeed, the various route options illustrated indicate that the viaduct will be in place after the new road is constructed.

It is difficult to believe that any sensible planning for the future could involve the removal of an almost motorway quality by-pass in exchange for more traffic congestion and pollution around the Huntingdon railway station, Hinchingbrooke Hospital, Hinchingbrooke School, police headquarters and the local police station.

I fear that common sense may be cast aside for a dream of a "Vision for Huntingdon".

That dream, like so many dreams, may well prove illusory. I urge your readers to press for the retention of the viaduct with its huge advantages of not only avoiding the congestion but also providing a "two for the price of one" solution with easier movement for all traffic and an alternative route if and when there is a blockage on the new road.

TERRY HAYWARD, Perry Road, Buckden