Maryland Community Newspapers Online
The article titled "County ponders study of road, health" (Sept. 30) describes proposed legislation that will require studies of the supposed untoward health effects that will result from the construction of new roads before their construction is approved. This concept is based on the widespread assumption that more roads will cause increased traffic congestion and thereby produce more air pollution than we have now. The same argument was used by opponents of the InterCounty Connector.
It may appear to be true if superficial attention is given to the issue, but the opposite is the case. When a new road is opened, the same number of vehicles will be out there as before, but they will be spread out over a larger area, reducing overall congestion.
A new road will attract a number of vehicles away from older roads in the area, which will then carry less traffic. The real cause of congestion is obvious. We have too many vehicles on too few roads. Reducing traffic congestion will allow many vehicles to spend less time on the roads, resulting in a reduction in air pollution.
Anthony Mauger, Kensington