‘Tolls not ideal’

I do not recall recommending tolls on the A27, but emphasising what alternative would a private investor have to get a return on his outlay, if investing in the A27 link.

I would agree with Mr Dixon that tolls would not be an ideal way for private investors to recoup their outlay for the reasons given, but, unfortunately, the present Government seems to favour this, to get private money invested into roads.

I still cannot see how a development at Ford could help the building of the A27 link as Government money or private investment would be needed, and to think a developer intending to build at Ford would cover the cost seems unlikely, as the cost of the link would be more than the housing development.

If, however, it is suggested that the developer is asked to contribute to the building of the A27 link, this seems like a good idea, but surely this cost would be passed onto the buyers of the houses, which would be mainly expensive houses and maybe they could afford it. However, this would most certainly preclude first-time buyers and those looking for affordable housing.

If this is considered policy for the future, it will be a long time before enough developments are built to raise the required capital and the only answer to the A27 link is for the Government to provide the resources, or private investment.

Richard Brennan

Wooldridge Walk

Climping