Derby transport chief refuses to answer simple question on dubious and controversial A38 expansion plan

Carmel Swan, Derby City Council cabinet member for transport and the environment, was quizzed by an opposition councillor about the £250m project, despite it appearing to be tied up in complications which the council has no power to control.

Conservative Mickleover councillor Matthew Holmes asked her at a meeting last week: “I have a very straight-forward question. Do the Labour administration support the delivery of the Derby A38 Junction Improvement scheme?”

Councillor Swan replied: “Thank you Councillor Holmes. I think we have been here before and I’m not prepared to answer that question. Thank you.”

The scheme, if it went ahead, would see flyovers and underpasses created at the current Little Eaton, Markeaton and Kingsway Islands. The project is designed to “reduce traffic delays, improve journey time reliability and improve safety for all road users through the separation of traffic using the A38 and local traffic”. But this is argued by campaigners who say the scheme would cause “environmental destruction” for the city.

In September it was reported the project could be in “limbo” only a few weeks after the High Court ruled out a legal challenge against the plans – seemingly allowing it to take place. However, the Stop The A38 Expansion campaign group has vowed to fight on and appeal the decision by the High Court.

But despite this, there is another problem on the project’s footstep. Transport Secretary Louise Haigh commissioned a review of the Department for Transport’s spending portfolio, including the A38 Derby Junctions and all current and future schemes.

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This spending review of infrastructure is currently ongoing with decisions likely to be announced in due course. This means it is currently unclear if the Government is willing to fund the project, should the legality of the scheme stay standing.

Councillor Swan was not prepared to answer Councillor Holmes “straight-forward” question but she did provide a written answer to a different question by him on the matter.

She said: “As council is aware, this is a nationally strategic road scheme, funded by Government, and on road network that is owned and controlled by National Highways. The route passes through Derby, but the council has no role in making decisions about the future of the scheme.”

Adrian Howlett, of the Stop the A38 Expansion group, said in August: “We were prepared for this potential (High Court) outcome and will be appealing and continuing our campaign to stop this polluting and destructive central Government scheme.

“If this scheme goes ahead, it will cause huge environmental destruction, lead to over four years of traffic chaos in Derby due to the roadworks and create potentially illegal levels of air pollution. Even if it’s completed, it won’t lessen air pollution and traffic as many falsely assume.”