Pricing puts workers on road to ruin
Dec 7 2007 by Adrian Pearson, The Journal
TRANSPORT chiefs have warned that road pricing would force low-income families to look elsewhere for jobs.
Officers at Newcastle Council, currently researching various congestion-busting schemes, have been told road pricing could have a “disproportionately negative impact”.
In a hard-hitting report, the outgoing North-East Assembly (NEA) also called for the streamlining of transport policy – which sees some decisions only reached after consultation with more than 47 groups.
And the regional development agency One NorthEast was also in the firing-line as the NEA scrutiny board criticised its lack of involvement in transport policy.
The report singled out One NorthEast for blame, describing as “frustrating” the lack of lobbying work done by the agency.
It quoted sources interviewed when writing the report who told the NEA: “ONE’s not battling for transport investment, it needs to get more impassioned by this obvious barrier to delivering the regional economic strategy.” The NEA admitted it had itself faced criticism over claims it was “insulated from the real world”.
Tom Warburton, head of infrastructure and environment, One NorthEast, yesterday moved to deflect criticism of the agency.
He said: “Up until the Government’s sub national review, One NorthEast has had limited responsibility for transport and therefore no mandate to act as a lobbying body for transport-related issues in the region – that responsibility lay with the regional assembly.
“One NorthEast recognises the need for a strong evidence base to underpin this single strategy, and indeed, a very objective assessment of the region’s current transport strengths, weaknesses and barriers to development will be our first priority.”
The assembly has called for a new transport policy linked to employment opportunities and stressed the need for greater investment in public transport.
A frequent problem faced by councils across the North-East, the scrutiny panel said, was caused by the freedom enjoyed by bus operators.
This year marks the 21st anniversary of bus management deregulation, a black day for many including councillors and commuters.
NEA member Ian Mearns said: “The North-East has to work under a different system than that enjoyed in London, where they have a more regulated system.
“Buses here can be withdrawn for commercial reasons without any consideration for the social impact.”
Blyth Valley councillor Bob Watson said a streamlining process recommended in the report would benefit businesses and commuters.
“The problem is that we have such a fragmented transport strategy in the region.
“We have the Tyne and Wear city region, the county councils, the Passenger Transport Authorities.
“Who do people take notice of?
“Hopefully this report will help solve some of these problems.”
The scrutiny panel will meet again in six months to see what action has been taken following the publication of the report.
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Parking at the touch of a phone key
The council has selected five car parks to trial the scheme during the busy Christmas period.
Motorists can call or text their details along with how long they are staying, and will receive a text message when their time is running out.
Clear information on how the system works is displayed at the car parks in Dean Street, Eldon Garden, Eldon Square, Grainger Town and Quayside.
And motorists can also register to use the service at home on the council’s website.
Newcastle City Council Head of Parking Neil Cuthbert said: “We’re introducing this scheme in the run up to Christmas, one of the busiest times of year for our car parks.
“We want to provide a secure and safe way of making parking in the city even more convenient and, by reducing the amount of cash collected in parking machines, will help cut vandalism and theft.”
The council said the money saved would be re-invested in the parking service and other transport improvements across Newcastle.
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City to ban non-essential traffic
Liberal Democrat councillors and their officers are preparing a planning document which will set the tone for growth and development over the next 13 years, including the future for motorists driving through Newcastle.
In the Local Development Framework, the council makes clear its intention to avoid traffic passing through the city centre, and making life easier for motorists whose journeys start there.
Public transport investment is also planned, but the council makes no secret of its views on congestion-busting methods.
The report sets out the need for a tough approach to traffic management.
It states: “It is necessary to promote the choice of transport options available and reduce reliance on private car use over time.”
And while the council insists it is keeping all options open, there is already one option leading the way with officers.
In their report, planning chiefs made it clear they are “considering the introduction of road user charging to manage congestion and promote sustainable transport modes.”
On Wednesday night, councillors debated the draft LDF, due to be finalised in January.
In a heated debate, the Labour party was denied the chance to make seven late amendments to the strategy, including an increase in affordable housing.
Climate change also plays a part in the council’s transport concerns. City leaders have promised to take a “vigorous approach” to persuading new residents or employees to consider the environmental impacts of their travel choices and to use cars less.
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