Tory transport report criticised by Lib Dems

12.00.00am UTC (GMT +0000) Sun 15th Apr 2007

Councillor Ransley wants to see bus lanes removed from the borough, which would increase journey times on public transport

A report by St Johns' very own Tory Borough Councillor suggesting, amongst other things, that all parking within ½ mile of High Brooms station should effectively be banned and denying the need for improvements to public transport in the town, has met with strong criticism.

However, he saves his greatest criticism for public transport. He insists that only people who do not have access to cars will use buses and no amount of service improvement will increase bus usage. At one point he states that "it is well known … that buses don't work".

He has suggested that all bus lanes in the borough be removed. However, this suggestion has been ignored by Kent County Council because it would increase bus journey times.

Lesley Herriot, Lib Dem candidate for St Johns in the upcoming local elections said "As a nondriver, I am surprised to hear that "buses don't work" as I've used them all my life. Services need to be invested in and improved, not downgraded!"

Lesley continued, "I disagree with the mad suggestion that parking around High Brooms be restricted. This would only add to the problem, not solve it. Most of the homes in this area do not have offroad parking and moving the cars would just move the problem and cause severe difficulties for those who are disabled or elderly and also those with children. Life should be made easier for them not harder.

"Councillor Ransley doesn't deserve to represent St Johns when this sort of unhelpful suggestion is the best he can do!"