New Figures Reveal Rising Bedfordshire Traffic Levels

12.52.20pm GMT Wed 23rd Jan 2008

The 11 per cent growth in traffic in Bedfordshire since 1997 is evidence of the local impact of Labour's failed transport policies, say Lib Dems

Figures uncovered by the Liberal Democrats in Parliament show that over the past decade, the number of vehicles on roads in Bedfordshire has increased by 11%.

The figures confirm that congestion on the county's roads has gone up significantly since Labour came to power in 1997, despite promises to reduce the number of people relying on cars to get about.

Cllr Paul Whitehead, Bedford Borough Liberal Democrat Group Environment Spokesperson, said:

"These figures show a worrying increase in the amount of traffic on local roads. Of course, they only confirm what was already obvious to everyone, which is that traffic and congestion is increasing. The congestion problems in Bedford Town Centre, for example, are well known to local residents.'

"Rising traffic levels have led to part of the town centre being declared an 'Air Quality Management Area,' with the problem of deteriorating air quality also spreading across the town centre and to suburban areas.'

"When Labour came to power in 1997, John Prescott, who was then deputy Prime Minister, said, 'I will have failed if in five years' time there are not many more people using public transport and far fewer journeys by car. It's a tall order but I urge you to hold me to it.''

"Well, Mr Prescott and his successors have presided over a system of increasing traffic levels, congestion and harmful emissions. It is little wonder that this is the case, when travelling by public transport is now more expensive than in 1997 while the cost of travelling by car has actually fallen in real terms.'

"The rise in traffic in Bedfordshire marks a huge failure by the Government who promised so much but have delivered more congestion, more pollution and more expensive buses and trains."