STEP's Position 

Click here to download our position paper (MS Word 162kb, PDF 178kb).

STEP is opposed to this link road, because it is an expensive stop gap measure that will not solve traffic congestion in our region but will ultimately exacerbate current problems. Until an integrated transport solution and long-term plan for our region is proposed, this link should not be built. More specifically:

• A link between the F3 and M2 would result in an enormous amount of induced traffic. Short-term gains in travel times would quickly be lost as a result of increased car dependence. Some studies show that when a new road is built, the rise in car use is so significant that within five years the new road capacity is 60 to 90% full at peak-hour. As the new road becomes congested, the increased traffic will inevitably end up back on our local streets.
  

• The long-term implications of population growth on the Central Coast are not addressed by the link. Indeed  the link would encourage unsustainable travel patterns and dispersed development in the region that would only exacerbate current problems.
  

• Emissions from car pollution represent more than half the pollutants in Sydney’s air. 82% of nitrous oxides and 80% of carbon dioxide in Sydney’s air comes from cars. The link would encourage a significant rise in vehicle kilometres travelled in the area. The resulting increase in air pollution holds serious implications for our health.
  

• Increased road traffic noise would result from the rise in traffic in the area. Road traffic noise is one of the most widespread and growing environmental issues in Sydney. A link would exacerbate this trend.
  

• Above-ground options would see destruction of bushland in the region.
  

• Decision makers should be responding to community attitudes which are that Sydney needs improved mass transport options.