St Johns - Councillor Simon Bannister Campaigns against Rat Runs

9.41.42pm BST (GMT +0100) Tue 18th May 2004

Councillor Simon Bannister asks "What has happened to the Transport Strategy that was approved by the Conservative-controlled Council in 2003?

You know, the one that the Liberal Democrats passed in 1997 that was subsequently rejected by the Conservatives!

The answer is simple; the Conservatives have been slow in implementing it. But, worse still they have reduced the amount they intend to spend on it - even before they start!

An effectively managed transport strategy will address many of the issues that you have raised with the three Liberal Democrat Councillors for St John's - and it will help all who use our roads. The Council should give priority to improving public transport links and providing a Park and Ride scheme to prevent the town coming to a total gridlock.

By allowing traffic to back-up on our main thoroughfares, drivers are encouraged to use the side roads as "rat runs". This causes misery for the residents and danger to other road users and pedestrians. Silverdale Road, Mereworth Road and Culverden Down are typical examples of roads affected in St John's Ward. The Council should be mindful of its responsibilities for public safety throughout the Borough."