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City transport in 'state of flux' - Darling
Mar 10 2005
By Staff Reporter, Birmingham Post
Birmingham City Council has placed the future of the city's transport network in "a state of flux", according to the Transport Secretary.
The Conservative-led administration has come under fire from Government ministers and transport experts alike in recent weeks over the decision to suspend the Tyburn Road bus lane and the downgrading of a number of other bus priority schemes.
Alistair Darling told the House of Commons during Transport Questions: "If we want to encourage people to use public transport rather than their cars I wouldn't have thought that what the Conservatives are doing in Birmingham is the best advert."
His comments follow junior Transport Minister Charlotte Atkins' warning that fresh powers could be handed to the region's transport executive Centro to reinstate the Tyburn Road bus lane and keep other bus projects afloat.
Last night, West Midlands Conservative MEP Philip Bradbourn reacted angrily to the Staffordshire Moorlands' MPs comments.
"I do not see why Councils should have their wings clipped simply because they have a different view from the Government's.
"This kind of local variation is the major strength of local government."
Mr Darling's comments came in response to praise for Birmingham's " successful" transport policies from Shadow Transport spokesman Greg Knight MP during Tuesday's transport question time.
"Transport policy in Birmingham at the moment is in a state of flux, and indeed the local bus company, is in some difficulty," said Darling.
