'Bus Gate' a pure cash-in
How interesting to read Paul Wiltshire's report on that infamous B&NES stratagem, the despised 'Bus Gate'. Some years ago I too applied for details under the Freedom of Information Act regarding this piece of council subterfuge and in particular how much cash it was raising.
I was informed that no separate records were kept; in other words the ill-gotten gains were lumped together with car park charges and bus lane infringements and the like.
However, there are four lines in the deputy editor's article that say a thousand words. B&NES actually admit that it pocketed nearly three-quarters of a million pounds in 2007/08 and at the time: "Predicted an income of £500,000 for 2008/09."
I reckon that by referring to the fines as 'predicted income' that is as close as we shall get to an admission that the entire purpose of the 'Bus Gate' was a scam dreamed up to raise funds to partly compensate for civic financial ineptitude.
The fatuous excuse that it was to cut back city centre pollution was not, of course, ever believed by right-minded residents in the first place.
MIKE MAPSTONE Calton Walk Bath
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by Bill W, Timsbury, Bath
Saturday, March 06 2010, 4:40PM
“I am impressed Margaret !.. I am inmpresed !! .. sorry, too much Larkrise to Candleford watching..where was I?
Ah, yes, .. the money making "Bus / Taxi/Ambulance Gate" was the subject I think.
Remember in the last few decades foreign travellers (and locals from villages nearby) to this well heeled city were forced to walk miles to collect their cars from vehicle pounds for stopping occasionally? .. you don`t? .. then do the research please.
Bath is the only city I know of that suceeds in encouraging the driver into its clutches, then proptly fines him / her for both stopping and being there in the first place, then; .. even better .. you`ll love this bit .. provides no viable means of getting out of the High Street other than either (a) illegally reversing over the Mayors entrance to the Guldhall, or (b) going back the way you just came (without really getting anywhere).
What a lovely way of controlling traffice flow!!. The new scheme to allow parking places in Southgate that forces the traffic to "gridlock mode" as soon as more than 3 cars wish to park in the new car park.
It couldn`t have been designed better if an architect had done it.
I am so pleased that my old home town is now avoided by many, that enterprise in the surrounding villages is now benefiting from this factor.
Only one sadness to report, the new bus lane at Odd Down seems to be the new exclusive lane for motorcycles .. bit of an over-kill for two wheelers isn`t it? .. Bah Humbug !”
by Dave, Larkhall
Friday, March 05 2010, 1:43PM
“At least you've been able to read the signs Tom.”
by Tom Trosborg, Bath
Friday, March 05 2010, 12:49PM
“Mike Mapstone, two personal attacks on my humble person without any relevant content from you. Can we look forward to more of the same?”
by Mike Mapstone, Bath
Friday, March 05 2010, 12:08PM
“You are so right Andy M.To compare the Bus Gate scam victims with persons who have been subjected to serious crime is a nonsense. Rather like comparing Tom T. with the Greek Godess Athena”
by Andy M, Bath
Friday, March 05 2010, 9:18AM
“Tom, any thoughts on the wider implications of bus gates and their effects on congestion - as opposed to the misdirections of any burglar/driver comparisons?”