Liberal Democrat plan of action to tackle congestion chaos in Sheffield

11.43.19am UTC (GMT +0000) Thu 15th Dec 2005

Gridlock in Sheffield

Lib Dems recognise that transport in Sheffield faces a huge challenge. The number of cars on the road continues to increase and public transport is becoming less attractive as bus operators in particular continue to increase fares and reduce services. The Council's transport policies must take this into account. This article highlights just a few things that the Liberal Democrats would do differently from Labour if in control of the Council.

(1) Recognise that current policies are not working

Although this first point alone will not physically deliver any change, it is fundamental to our thinking. Unlike Labour, we believe that the Council's policies are not working and are heading in the wrong direction. In general terms we want a transport policy that changes from being anti-car, under Labour, to one that gives people choice.

(2) A root and branch review of Sheffield's road network

Currently motorists complain of too many one-way streets, no right turns, road narrowed and closed etc. We believe that there is some weight in this argument; that is why we would commission a full root and branch review of the road network to come up with suggested changes and improvements, with improving traffic flow as a priority.

(3) Create 'Sheffield on the Move'

The Council will set up a cross-agency group called 'Sheffield on the Move'. This group would include the Council, the PTE, bus, train and tram operators, motorists organisations, representatives from business and residents' organisations along with other stakeholders. The group would be able to use its expertise to flag up potential problems, come up with new ideas

and troubleshoot smaller problems. The group's meetings would be open to the public.

(4) Prioritise traffic flow on major new traffic management schemes

Currently many of the traffic management schemes carried out by the Council give cause for concern. Many people believe some are actually adding to the problem of congestion, we would ensure that traffic flow is prioritised in such schemes.

(5) Review 24 hour and short length bus lanes

In the light of significant bus service reductions, we would carry out a full review of 24 hour bus lanes and short stretches of bus lane to ensure they are really necessary and are not just adding to congestion.

(6) Require service and fare guarantees when investing in bus priority measures

Far too often this Council has invested in bus priority measures only for bus providers to cut services and put up fares. We would pursue a policy that only implements bus priority measures when a guarantee on prices and services over a period of time has been obtained from the bus providers.

(7) Launch cross-party campaign on transport issues spearheaded by the Council

We would launch a Council facilitated all-party campaign group involving local interest groups on big issues such as the re-regulation of buses.

(8) Promote and facilitate car clubs within our communities

We would facilitate car clubs within communities around Sheffield. We would use area panels,

local community groups and the Internet to allow people to take part in car sharing clubs.

(9) Launch policy to improve rural transport links

We would talk to local community transport groups to look at providing demand led community transport services to our rural communities.

(10) Explore business transport links and innovative new schemes

We would be pro-active in talking to the big employers around Sheffield and to find out how they would like to see transport policy developed. We would explore the possibility of partnership working to deliver a transport plan including innovative schemes (common place in Europe and the US) like providing mini-bus shuttles for employees outside the City centre.