Roads in Worthing more congested than ever before

7.06.47pm GMT Sun 20th Jan 2008

FIGURES uncovered by Lewes Liberal Democrat MP Norman Baker in Parliament show that over the past decade, the number of vehicles on roads in Worthing have increased by 11%.

It means that congestion on local roads such as the A27 has gone up since Labour came to power in 1997, despite promises to reduce the number of people relying on cars to get about following years of Tory failures and massive local protests.

Cllr Bob Smytherman, Worthing Liberal Democrat group leader, said,

"These figures show a worrying increase in the amount of traffic on roads in Worthing. The reality of the situation is that travelling by public transport is now more expensive but relatively speaking, the cost of travelling by car has fallen."

"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.'

"The rise in traffic in Worthing is clearly a huge failure by successive Government's over many years with both promising so much but have just delivered more congestion, pollution and more expensive buses and trains."

"The Government needs to look seriously at how to provide better bus and train services at an affordable price before Worthing grinds to a halt."

Worthing Bus Guru, Cllr Alan Rice added:

"A Transport Bill is now being debated by Parliament and there are a number of plans in it that will give powers to local councils to improve bus services. This is a welcome move but it is a pity that Labour have taken over a decade to get this far."

"Yet even now there is a danger that the powers to improve bus services will be watered down by the Government. Liberal Democrats will be pressing the Government hard to make sure this doesn't happen."