Boris Johnson committed to lie down in front of bulldozers to stop the Heathrow airport expansion. We are asking you to do the same for the A38 expansion.

Quick Summary

• The A38 expansion (involving the destruction of 100,000 trees, parkland loss, homes demolished and the emission of 131,000 tonnes of CO2) is now subject to a legal challenge.
• Highways England are planning to ignore the challenge and commence "vegetation clearance" (translation: "tree felling and habitat destruction").
• We need people to commit to stopping the work with non-violent direct action (NVDA). It must be peaceful and respectful.
• This is about good people breaking bad laws (and in any case we believe the A38 expansion is unlawful). We have taken all other possible actions to try and halt the destruction (including writing an open letter).
• Work is expected to start in mid-March, so the time is now...
• Training can be provided, and there are vital support roles if you do not wish to engage in NVDA.
• Please sign up. If we have many people committed to engage in NVDA to stop tree felling, then Highways England may halt works during the legal challenge.

Background

The A38 Expansion (Derby junctions scheme) is both environmentally destructive and polluting, with substantial carbon emissions during its construction. It will induce increased traffic over time (drawing in heavy lorry traffic from the A50). It is a huge waste of money at a time of climate and ecological emergency.

It is clear that Grant Shapps, the Secretary of State for Transport, has disregarded expert advice from his civil servants, and the concerns of the planning Inspectorate, in granting consent to the scheme.  

Consequently, a group of concerned residents have mounted a legal challenge to the decision, with a request for a judicial review submitted on 19th February.

Where we are now?

In March 2021, our legal challenge was successful and the development consent order for the A38 expansion was quashed by the court a few months later. However National Highways (the rebranded Highways England) , is still trying to push this disastrous scheme through. We may still need people to commit to the bulldozer pledge. For the latest news on developments, please check the campaign website and Twitter.

What do we need to do?

We would like people to sign up for this pledge now, so that we can contact people as soon as there is evidence of work starting. In addition to NVDA, there are plenty of other ways in which you can help the protest.