Transport Action Network Loses Legal Bid on A66 Dualling

Transport Action Network (Tan) has lost its legal challenge against the UK government's approval to dual an 18-mile stretch of the A66, a project estimated to cost £1.5 billion and projected to increase carbon emissions by 2.7 million tonnes. The High Court, presided over by Mr Justice Mould, dismissed the case, ruling that there was no arguable basis to contest the Secretary of State's decision, which was based on national considerations and the necessity for the development. The project will affect the North Pennines National Landscape, previously designated as an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, and is expected to result in the removal of over 18,200 trees and harm to endangered habitats, according to Tan. Despite these concerns, the judge noted that the transport secretary had considered alternative solutions before granting the order. The Department for Transport and National Highways both opposed the legal action, supporting the need for the project. The ruling underscores the ongoing tension between infrastructure development and environmental conservation in the UK.