It would have been tragic if the Government had bypassed the work of the South Coast Corridor Multi Modal study by granting the Hastings bypass.

The rest of these studies will not report until the spring of 2002.

Having attended a session on July 11, I was amazed how much support there was for alternatives to new roads.

Improvements to the rail network, walking, cycling, cutting the need for travel - all are part of a sustainable approach.

Up until now, the environment has been disposable in creating road schemes, with non-car-users marginalised as less productive or important.

Our travel choices impact on the environment, yet there was no political will to change.

It may be little in the face of a global nightmare. But the Government has said no to the Hastings bypass.

The longest journey starts with a single step. All who have fought these road schemes for the past six years are delighted.

Even so, it is only the start. If the environment is in trust for tomorrow, the Government must never forget so again.

-Peter Poole, South Coast Against Roadbuilding, Queens Road, Brighton