Local Conservative campaigners have staged a demonstration to highlight Liberal Democrat plans for the West Road that many residents believe will make congestion worse and to urge commuters and local residents to fight the plans.
Jason Smith, Chairman of Newcastle Conservatives, said: “We are campaigning to bring these plans to the attention of local people. We believe the plans for the West Road are like using a sledgehammer to crack a nut. We do need to encourage people to cycle and to improve crossing areas but this should not be at the price of the chaos that these plans will create.
“Anti-car Liberal Democrats have publicly flip-flopped on this issue. LibDems appeared to drop plans for the West Road corridor when Conservatives made it an issue in the Fenham By-election. We highlighted the impact of displaced traffic onto residential streets in Fenham and Benwell & Scotswood Wards, and the likely impact on Stamfordham Road of vehicles using that as the most likely alternative route. However, now that the Fenham By-election is over, they have resurrected the plans. Just goes to show that people should take what they read in LibDem leaflets with a pinch of salt.
“We will continue to highlight the impact of these plans on all road users and call on Newcastle City Council to organise public meetings to let residents have their say.”
Local Conservatives have campaigned for more park and ride facilities in Newcastle, accusing Liberal Democrats of a lack of ambition. Conservatives have pointed to Durham and Nottingham where park and ride connected by dedicated express bus or tram systems have made public transport a viable alternative for commuters.
Jason Smith added: “Liberal Democrats seem disinterested in working with neighbouring authorities to develop park and ride facilities to reduce traffic through the west end of Newcastle. Their plans for the West Road will punish motorists and create rat-runs.
“We have made it clear that many of the No Car Lanes in Newcastle are dangerous or have increased congestion since they were introduced and have called for a review of all No Car Lanes in the city.
“You don’t need to take my word for it. Even one senior Liberal Democrat has said that new transport schemes ‘do little to help traffic flow and often cause congestion’ and that they do not make it ‘easier, safer or more pleasant for pedestrians’. Liberal Democrats are not winning many brownie points on traffic management at present and the time has come for change.”
