The Yorkshire Post Says: End this tunnel vision and give us a clear roads strategy for Yorkshire

A week after Defra and the Department for Transport signalled an intention to ban all new petrol and diesel cars by 2040, it would appear to make more sense to accelerate the introduction of electric vehicles rather than building giant tents that should be obsolete within two decades or so.

Ironically, the extra traffic delays that will be necessitated by the construction of these tunnels is actually likely to exacerbate pollution levels on the affected routes and surrounding roads.

For the benefit of the now discredited Transport Secretary Chris Grayling whose mishandling of trans-Pennine rail improvements continues to cause much angst in these parts, he should be providing clearer direction on three fronts.

First, it makes sense for new roads – an economic necessity – to conform to the highest environmental standards from the outset.

Second, policies to promote the use of electric cars should be advanced so motorists start switching to new technology when they next purchase a new vehicle.

Third, road usage will be reduced if investment in public transport keeps pace with the country’s needs. Is it any wonder that routes in Leeds, and elsewhere, are so polluted, when London-focused Mr Grayling will not provide clarity over stop-start plans to improve rail services between Yorkshire and the North West?