Shadow Roads Minister, John Turner, today asked exactly what limits the Roads and Traffic Authority supposedly comply with, that allow for the visible haze within the M5 East tunnel to be classified by the Carr Labor Government as “safe”.
Mr Turner said that the NSW Roads Minister, Carl Scully, who today admitted that a haze exists in the M5 East tunnel, but simply dismissed it as inevitable, must explain to concerned motorists just how he considers their exposure to such air pollution as being safe for their health.
“For, in stark contrast to Mr Scully’s safety claims, an ever-increasing amount of scientific evidence confirms that exposure to air pollution can trigger pre-existing health problems and lead to breathing difficulties and other ailments.
“Such scientific evidence is backed up by the experiences of motorists. Many drivers have complained of feeling unwell after driving through the M5 East tunnel, blaming the fumes, and one motorist is even reported to have suffered an asthma attack after taking the journey.
“Indeed I believe that a number of regular taxi, courier and truck drivers are now avoiding the tunnel completely because of the health risks involved, “ Mr Turner said.
“If Mr Scully genuinely believes the air quality to be so safe, why has he advised motorists to close their air vents and wind up their windows when travelling through the tunnel?
“The existence of a visible haze inside the tunnel also raises serious road safety concerns,” Mr Turner said.
“This haze limits driver visibility. In no circumstance can an impediment to motorist visibility be considered “safe”.
“Mr Scully and the RTA promised many times that the air inside the tunnel would be breathable and the project would be constructed in accordance with world's best practice.
“In reality however we have a Minister hiding behind questionable safety limits and thousands of motorists suffering the effects of Carr Labor Government inaction,” Mr Turner said.
Shadow Roads Minister, John Turner, last night reaffirmed the NSW Coalition’s commitment to the installation of filtration equipment into the M5 East ventilation stack.
been unrelenting in their attempts to gain an outcome that will be of long term benefit to the entire community,” Mr Turner said.
For further information contact John Turner: 0427 655 321 or 9230 2196
