Lib Dems propose bus boost to fight Chelmsford congestion

12.54.03am BST (GMT +0100) Mon 10th Apr 2006

Under a bold new Lib Dem plan, town centre facilities such as the University, Rail/Bus Station, Cathedral, Shopping Centres, Market and Car Parks would be linked up by a 'Circular Bus Service' operating on a very frequent basis. Local Liberal Democrats are proposing a detailed feasibility study into a new plan to cut congestion, noise and pollution in Chelmsford.

This is a better solution to help combat local problems and global climate change than proposals for more roads and one-way systems put forward by the ruling Conservatives.

County Councillor Keith Francis (Chelmsford Central Division), who is promoting the plan, said, "We envisage that the key central amenities would be linked-up, offering anyone working, studying, visiting or shopping in the town centre a quick and convenient means of getting around.

"We believe key stakeholders such as Anglia Ruskin University, Market Traders, Shopping Centre Managers, the Cathedral Authorities, Chamber of Commerce and Disability Groups should be consulted with a public exhibition and consultation staged enabling everyone to take part in the establishment of the service.

"We reject proposals by the Conservatives for a new one-way system through the heart of the town, and other Tory plans to try and shoe-horn more traffic into the town centre."

Leader of the Lib Dem group on Chelmsford Council, Councillor Christine Rycroft (Great Baddow East Ward) said

"It's one part of an exciting strategy to help people find alternatives to cars in the town centre and reduce congestion which at peak times reaches a chronic state. They would be able to move around more freely as well as reducing greenhouse gas emissions and pollution. When in control, we started planning the Park and Ride programme and Chelmsford needs to go forward with even more ideas now."

Chelmsford Lib Dem's Parliamentary Spokesman Stephen Robinson added

"What is needed now are imaginative ideas that will give people an attractive alternative to motoring, and make the centre of Chelmsford a more pleasant place to live, work and visit. We need to Think Global and Act Local to improve both the local and global environment."

The Lib Dems say the Feasibility Study would need to deal with the issues of route access, fares, financing and partnership arrangements with bus operators. Liberal Democrat Councillors are pressing Essex County Council and Chelmsford Borough Council, calling for the feasibility study and consultation.