Recently I conducted a study on Rodwell Road/Boot Hill to find out how many huge trucks travel up and down that road on average in one hour.

Why?

Because I was concerned to hear that the proposed incinerator for Portland (as well as releasing toxic, carcinogenic emissions into the air) would likely give rise to around eighty more of these heavy, puffing trucks each day, with so much traffic already on that route.

The original focus of my study was, therefore, the number of trucks currently travelling and emitting heavy, toxic fumes.

Each survey lasted an hour at varying times: early morning, late morning, afternoon during five working days - dates: 14th, 15th, 26th, 27th, 29th October.

However, whilst I continued to note the numbers of heavy trucks (these numbers did not include smaller builders’ trucks, delivery vans, DWP dust carts, buses and private coaches), I also began to count all individual vehicles, including heavy trucks – flowing up and down Rodwell Road.

I did not include those many vehicles starting up Rodwell Road that turned right into Wyke Road (I suspect many to avoid heavy traffic), nor those turning left out of Wyke Road to go down, nor those turning left into St Leonards Road.

Due to restricted space on a letters page, I am unable to put into print all my detailed figures and findings.

However, in a few words: during an average weekday one huge, heavy truck currently travels up/down Rodwell Road every two minutes (I stress this is an average).

Regarding all vehicles travelling both ways: around one thousand vehicles travel up and down Rodwell Road every hour.

Do we really need eighty more trucks per day bringing in waste for burning (from up to a three hours’ drive away – we’re told it isn’t Dorset waste) plus other extra traffic created – as well as all the carcinogenic emissions this waste incinerator would emit?

Dorset Council, please remember your promise to improve air quality and the environment when you consider the proposed incinerator for Portland – and consider, too, those of us already struggling with high and toxic emissions in the air we breathe.

SALLY MASLIN

Address supplied