Lib Dems in Oxfordshire and Berkshire Unite Against One-Way Road Plans (Oxfordshire Liberal Democrats)

Oxfordshire Liberal Democrats <info@oxfordshirelibdems.org.uk>

Lib Dems in Oxfordshire and Berkshire Unite Against One-Way Road Plans

September 7, 2006 12:00 AM

Liberal Democrat leaders from Reading and areas around have called on the Borough Council to think again about their plans to make the ring road one-way. They have issued a joint statement ahead of Thursday's critical Borough Council meeting, urging the ruling Labour administration to think again.

The statement slams the Borough Council for failing to deal properly with objections submitted from Reading residents and neighbouring councils. It highlights the lack of public engagement at the meeting, which will not allow public participation, and also the lack of clear measures to mitigate the likely effects of the scheme on neighbouring roads.

Cllr Bob Johnston, Liberal Democrat Transport spokesperson, said, "We are very concerned that this will encourage more traffic to try to find a way round Reading and in particular increase traffic in South Oxfordshire villages like Woodcote and Sonning Common.

"Reading Borough Council seem to be trying to steamroller the plans through without considering the knock-on effects in neighbouring areas. I know this road well and, quite frankly, this scheme seems bonkers to me!"

Cllr David Turner, who is Liberal Democrat Leader on South Oxfordshire District Council, said, "These villages are already inundated with traffic trying to get to and from Reading. This daft proposal will obviously increase pressure for a third Thames Bridge - which would increase traffic in South Oxfordshire to an unbearable extent, and have knock-on effects on the rest of the county."

The statement is attached.