Bus controls backtrack set to leave local councils toothless

12.00.00am UTC (GMT +0000) Mon 26th Nov 2007

Lib Dems want local people to have a say over their local bus services

Local people are set to be left powerless to have any say over local bus services because the Government have caved into demands from private bus companies. They have dropped some key powers that were set to be given to local council's. Local Liberal Democrats are protesting against the move and are calling for the Government to stand up to the bus companies.

The Local Transport Bill was published earlier this year, it included plans that would have allowed local councils to specify routes frequencies and maximum fares through 'Statutory Quality Partnerships'. However, under pressure from private bus companies, the Labour Government have changed the bill to give bus companies a veto on any council powers, thus dashing hope of local people being able to influence how their local buses are run.

Local Liberal Democrats are protesting against the move and are calling for the Government to stand up to the bus companies. Lib Dems will move a motion at next week's council calling for the Government to reinstate the powers into the bill.

Lib Dems believe that unless local councils receive significant powers to control local bus services then public transport use will remain in decline in Sheffield. They also believe that greater public transport use is key to easing Sheffield's chronic congestion problems.

Cllr Sylvia Dunkley, Liberal Democrat Shadow Cabinet member for Transport, said: -

"We are extremely disappointed that the Labour Government have caved in to private bus companies and now plan to allow a veto on any demands that the local council makes. This backtrack is a big letdown and it will mean local council's remain toothless when it comes to getting tough with bus operators."

"It's time that the Government gave local people, through the local council, the powers to stand up to the bus companies. That means being able to specify routes, frequencies and maximum fares to make buses better for users. This is what we will be calling for in our proposal to council next week."

"If Sheffield is ever going to ease its chronic congestion problems then we need these powers. It's essential that we make public transport more attractive so that people are motivated to use their car less, in favour of public transport."