Clubb member

Delighted to learn that Rupert Clubb has time free in November to talk at Highways UK, "the flagship event for the people and organisations involved in the planning, designing, building, operating and future-proofing of the UK's road network."

Rupert is Director of Communities, Economy and Transport, East Sussex County Council and the immediate Past President of ADEPT, the Association of Directors of Environment, Economy, Planning and Transport. He's always wanted a dual carriageway between Lewes and Polegate, despite all previous expert analysis saying such a road was poor value for money, likely to damage the landscape and biodiversity.

In the introduction to his talk to road-builders, he writes:  "The Transport Investment Strategy sets out a vision for our roads network that recognises that we must fundamentally put the user at the heart of the decisions we make. It makes strong reference to the importance we must place on our environment and well-being. It is uplifting to see these words set out in a transport strategy document. This strategy gives weight to the view that done well, done sympathetically and done with our communities and businesses we can bring about benefits that are more than just the time it takes to get from A to B. It presents an opportunity to shape housing development, improve prosperity and to capitalise on new and emerging technology."

The proposed A27 East of Lewes doesn't even do much for the time it takes to get from A to B, never mind all the rest of the 'uplifiting' blah.

To get a flavour of the Clubb style, here's Rupe at a previous Highways UK event in May, sponsored by construction firms Balfour Beatty, Costain, Elgin Roadworks and Jacobs.