Labour 'delusional' on congestion problems

12.00.00am UTC (GMT +0000) Sat 21st Oct 2006

Gridlock in Sheffield

Sheffield's Labour run Council have come under fire for failing to recognise the level of congestion problems in the City. Liberal Democrats have criticised the council's new "Plan for Transport in Sheffield" document which is due to be considered at next week's Cabinet meeting.

The document includes the council's policies on many transport related issues such as improving road safety, supporting economic regeneration and tackling congestion. The Council plan to publish and distribute a 'public friendly' summary explaining the document.

The public consultation document contains the surprising statement "Compared to other cities of similar size congestion in Sheffield isn't so bad". The main document also states that over the period 1993 -2004 "Contrary to popular belief, the actual level of congestion has remained pretty constant".

Lib Dems disagree with these statements and believe they show that the controlling Labour group are delusional with regard to Sheffield's congestion problem. They believe that in hotspots such as Woodseats and Ecclesall Road congestion has reached appalling proportions and is getting worse.

Councillor David Baker, Deputy Leader of the Liberal Democrat Group, said: -

"These nonsensical statements within the council's transport plan show that Labour bosses are way out of touch with public opinion. They are delusional if they believe congestion in Sheffield has remained constant since 1993 and isn't so bad"

"Thousands of commuters in Sheffield will no doubt be baffled by the council's belief. In places such as Woodseats, Hillsborough, Ecclesall Road and Penistone Road congestion is at a crisis level and getting worse. The public have been seriously concerned that the council are not taking the matter seriously enough, these statements seem to confirm their suspicions"

"I challenge Labour leaders to pay a visit to these congestion hotspots at peak times. We need our civic leaders to fully understand the size of the problem before we can even begin to tackle the issue of congestion on our roads"