'Anti-car' Labour Council under fire for transport policies again

12.00.00am UTC (GMT +0000) Tue 10th Jan 2006

Bus lane restriction times in Sheffield are set to be extended

Sheffield's Labour Council are planning to roll out the extension of bus lane operating times throughout the City. Motorists will face restrictions coming into effect half an hour earlier than present, the proposed hours are from 7.30am to 9.30am and from 4pm to 6.30pm.

Lib Dems have noted that the move will lead to greater congestion and cause difficulties for local businesses affected. The proposals are an example of how the controlling Labour group are anti-car.

Cllr Paul Scriven, Leader of the Liberal Democrats, said: -

"Despite the fact we see less buses and higher fares in Sheffield, the Labour Council see fit to reward FirstBus by applying to extend the hours for the operation of bus lanes throughout our City. This is a continuation of their anti-car policy and it will further inconvenience the vast majority of people trying to get around our City"

"We have no guarantee that FirstBus will not turn around and cut services yet again after these changes, Labour are making the same mistakes all over again. We should not be rewarding failure and penalising commuters who choose to travel by car"

"Not only will these changes lead to more congestion for commuters, it will cause real problems for local businesses and residents who live along these roads. There is no consultation to speak of, just a letter for information. This is a Council who will not listen to the very people it serves"