Labour transport boss displays delusional views on congestion

10.18.03am UTC (GMT +0000) Thu 12th Jul 2007

Labour deny that congestion has increased

The Labour politician in charge of transport on Sheffield City Council has come under fire from the opposition Liberal Democrat group for denying that congestion in the city is getting worse. Cllr Brian Lodge has approved a report which comments on Sheffield's congestion problems by stating 'Contrary to popular belief congestion levels have remained fairly constant between 1993 and 2004'.

Cllr Lodge has agreed the statement despite his predecessor being ridiculed by the local press for making exactly the same statement just eight months ago. The local media asked his predecessor, Cllr Terry Fox, if he was 'having a laugh' over the claim. Cllr Fox stepped down from his post in May.

The statement is included in the 'Plan for Transport in Sheffield' document, which is due to be approved at this weeks Cabinet meeting. Despite the criticism when the document went out for consultation eight months ago, Labour have not listened and included the claim in the final report.

Liberal Democrats believe that congestion is reaching crisis point and the measures included in the 'Plan for Transport in Sheffield' report will not lead to a reduction. They are concerned that any transport strategy based on the premise that congestion is not becoming worse will fail.

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

"I'm astounded that, once again, a Labour politician in charge of transport is claiming that congestion isn't getting worse. Cllr Lodge is going against common sense and widespread public opinion, despite his predecessor being ridiculed for doing exactly the same eight months ago."

"Liberal Democrats believe that congestion is getting significantly worse in many areas across Sheffield and the vast majority of commuters I talk to agree with me. The only people that don't agree is unfortunately the Labour councillors in charge of our transport system."

"What confidence can local people have that a strategy based on the premise 'congestion isn't getting worse' will help solve the growing problem? We believe that the council needs to take urgent action by tackling traffic bottlenecks, reviewing the transport network and improving all aspects of public transport."