LABOUR DEMANDS PROPER CONSULTATION AND PUBLIC INQUIRY ON ALL CONGESTION OPTIONS FOR CAMBRIDGE

11 October 2007

The flawed congestion plan being decided by today's Tory County Council Cabinet is a rushed 'dash for cash' say city Labour representatives, with no proof that's it's the best deal for the future of the Cambridge.

Daniel Zeichner, Cambridge Labour Parliamentary Spokesperson said:

'Where's the evidence that the county plan is in the best interests of Cambridge? Why is the proper options analysis since the county decided to rush this scheme through? Why have the county council only discussed one congestion option? And where's the evidence that their proposed £500,000 consultation will be for real and not just cosmetic?

City Labour councillors have called again for a public inquiry as the best way to consult residents and businesses and decide the best congestion plan.

Councillor Lewis Herbert, Labour City Council leader said 'The Cabinet report fails to demonstrate that the county dash for cash offers either the best deal for Cambridge's future, a fair deal for Cambridge residents, or the way to minimise future congestion and vehicle emissions in our expanding city.

'Our analysis is that incoming commuters who cause most of the morning congestion could pay a minority of the 'morning car tax', with city residents paying more and still suffering major evening and weekend congestion.

'We want a public inquiry, not phoney consultation, and reports assessing each viable option. For example, Manchester's scheme targets real congestion and does not penalise outbound commuters on empty roads.

Labour is also challenging David Howarth MP and the Lib Dems on their latest city 'Herald' newspaper which supports the Tory's rushed plans, proposing tinkering around the edges with discounts for certain groups.

'The Liberal Democrats are totally wrong to accept this scheme's principles before the public has been properly consulted' said Mr Zeichner, adding 'There is a real risk that Cambridge residents will suffer a flawed scheme for decades if local people and businesses are ignored by the county council.'