Labour backs BRT probe call
Calls for a public inquiry into plans for the controversial Bus Rapid Transit system through Bath are now being supported by both opposition parties in the city.
City Liberal Democrat MP Don Foster has urged Communities Secretary John Denham to call in the planning application for the system through Newbridge after it was given planning permission earlier this month.
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Now Bath Labour Party has also called on the minister to have the final say on the scheme, which is part of the £50 million Bath Transportation Package and which would involve a dedicated route being built on a former railway line.
In a statement, the branch said: "We are concerned about certain claims being made and are convinced that the disadvantages outweigh the alleged benefits. Furthermore we question the value for money aspect of building the route over the old railway line when there are already two suitable existing alternative roads.
"We do not think that all relevant matters concerning the scheme have been properly examined and that the only way forward is to hold a public inquiry."
Tory-run Bath and North East Somerset Council earlier this month gave itself planning permission for the scheme, which would also involve expanding the Newbridge Park and Ride site and would see buses running on conventional roads in other parts of the city, taking passengers from the east and west of Bath into the centre.
The Government Office of the South West said earlier in the summer that it wanted to have the final say on the scheme. Mr Denham now has to decide whether to call a public inquiry into the scheme or let the recent decision stand.
There is no limit on the time Mr Denham can take to decide.
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by Thomas, Bath
Wednesday, August 26 2009, 10:14AM
“If the subsequent plans for further messing with the city centre mentioned in the other article are associated with it, get rid of it and start again with a proper plan that takes ALL residents and visitors into consideration, including those of us who dare to drive cars!”
by BRigadier, Tally-howe
Wednesday, August 26 2009, 9:51AM
“I say, all this fussfuss about bus stations, rapid buses and so on is academic.
The matter is simple. All traffic will be banned from the city eventually, excepting articulated buses and of course, tanks. Where architecture is contentious, naturally, the areas will be sandbagged and defended with anti-tourist measures. Anyone who dissents and so on will be forced to work on the Bathampton meadows park and ride tank facility, what what?”
by Dave Larkhall, Larkhall
Tuesday, August 25 2009, 7:44PM
“No JC, wrong Dave. Personally I find it repugnant that even one pound is spent on a bus lane. The million quid should have been used to subsidise free bus travel on gas fueled Transit buses too and from large P & R's.
I like the mural idea though. But would it not have made more sense to have an integrated bus and rail terminus, where passengers could see the time, have up-to date travel information, enjoy a nice cuppa in comparative comfort, and not be treated like a herd of cattle at milking time? Oh yes, and be able to be dropped off and picked up under cover in close proximity to the bus or train.
But that's why we elect our council representatives, is it not?”
by Dave Larkhall, Larkhall
Tuesday, August 25 2009, 7:29PM
“Sulis, that's not a suggestion, so try again.”
by JC, Bath
Tuesday, August 25 2009, 7:28PM
“Is that the same John Bull who thinks that spending £1 million on a rarely-used bus lane represents good value?
Dave - How about a mural to brighten up the busometer?”
by Jo, Bath
Tuesday, August 25 2009, 5:40PM
“Hooray!”
by Sulis, Bath
Tuesday, August 25 2009, 5:37PM
“"How will students get about at peak times?"
In double-decker buses?
"Let's start with traffic:"
You might as well end there as well as there won't be room for much else in the city.”
by Bill, Bath
Tuesday, August 25 2009, 5:08PM
“Too little too late, Bath Labour Party.
Why wasn't there any 'concern about certain claims being made...' before the B&NES planning committee decisions were made? Has no-one looked closely at the proposals at all over the last twelve months?
And what value these concerns anyway? Labour councillor John Bull expressed his own concerns on May 20th about the new park and ride and its harmful effects on eastern Bath, then simply ignored them in choosing to vote to approve the scheme!
B&NES Labour councillors have backed the BTP without ever appearing to know or care about its fundamental flaws. Now, as the possibility of an inquiry looms and the murky details are beginning to seep out, it looks like leaping from a bandwaggon they feel the wheels are about to come off.”
by Steve, Bath
Tuesday, August 25 2009, 3:38PM
“Start you new party Dave, you got my vote.”
by hahahahaha, hahaha
Tuesday, August 25 2009, 2:19PM
“"Get rid of the bendy buses."
How will students get about at peak times? Hitch lifts like they did 20 years ago.....?”