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The problem is congestion, not charges - Charlie Bolton, 13 March 2005

To: Bristol Evening Post

Dear Sir

L Evans of Nailsea writes an anti-congestion charge rant (There is no need for charges, 12th March) which is so full of inaccuracies that I am compelled to respond.

The idea that 'Councils deliberately go out of their way to cause the problems from the start' or 'road planners are those who do not own a car' are clearly absurd.

To me, most of the time they do not go far enough - we need more bus lanes, more cycle lanes, and a better balance of road use than one which solely favours the motorist.

Indeed, if it were possible to remove all the traffic calming measures, does anyone seriously believe there would be no congestion? Even the Tories realised that road building schemes only move traffic problems, rather than solve them.

He then talks about how 'in London it was proved that traffic can be eased, if traffic lights were not deliberately installed every few yards'. Err - London has a very successful congestion charge. (And, in fact, the London Borough of Barnet which removed traffic calming measures saw an increase in numbers of accidents).

He then says 'Councils waste our money with ease and are not accountable'. Well, they may or may not waste our money, but they certainly are accountable (we call it 'council elections').

He bemoans the quality of service of both buses and trains. Well, in this he is right, both need to be better, cheaper, safer, more reliable. A congestion charge would be one excellent way to help achieve this.

And of course, he completely fails to mention the pollution, both local and global caused by all those cars pouring into Bristol everyday. People are losing their lives as a result of localised vehicle emissions. While globally, most people agree that the greenhouse effect is the biggest challenge we face.

Yours

Charlie Bolton
Parliamentary candidate
Bristol South Green Party

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THERE IS NO NEED FOR CHARGES

12 March 2005

We already pay a road fund licence in order that we may drive on our roads. We should remember that more than £35 billion is taken off the motorists every year, yet only £5 billion is ever spent on our roads, whether it be for repairs or new-build. Now, it has been suggested that a congestion charge be implemented in North Somerset and Bristol.

I am pleased that the people of Edinburgh voted not to implement such a stupid scheme.

In London it was proved that traffic can be eased, if traffic lights were not deliberately installed every few yards such as in Bristol city centre.

Councils deliberately go out of their way to cause the problems from the start.

The Long Ashton bypass now has a dual-occupancy lane.

This has resulted, as I found out, in a tailback in one lane that now crawls along, where once it flowed easier.

I believe road planners are those who do not own a car.

We are expected to share a lift. In an ideal world that may be fine, but only if the person sitting next to you goes to and leaves work at the same time as oneself.

Councils waste our money with ease and are not accountable.

It is time all of us who believe in freedom to travel stood up and put an end to daft traffic-calming measures.

Why is it that bus and cycle lanes are rarely used?

Just take a look next time you're out and about.

I notice this on the 903 bus route in particular.

All of us now like to travel, not just stay in the same village, town or city, whether it's for employment or leisure.

Buses are unreliable, cramped, dirty and unsafe at times.

Trains are too expensive and unreliable if there is a leaf on the line.

Cycling is fine, so long as you are fit and young. Any improvements can be met by the taxation already collected.

There is no need for congestion charging as the Green party advocates.

L Evans, Nailsea