Blueprint for reducing city's traffic congestion

4.12.54pm GMT Mon 19th Mar 2007

Cllr Judith Lubbock

Much could be done before introducing an unpopular congestion charge into Norwich, says city councillor Judith Lubbock, the Liberal Democrat transport spokesperson.

In an article in the Evening News, Cllr Lubbock wrote:

"The Conservative County Council are keen to use the money raised by a congestion charge to finance the NDR, if the Government allow them to do so.

However, I believe there should be alternatives to the motor car in place before a congestion charge is introduced. Improvements to public transport must come first.

"My own view is that much more could be done to reduce congestion in Norwich without introducing a congestion charge which would disadvantage the City and those living in rural areas who rely on their cars," continued Cllr Lubbock.

"The current Park & Ride schemes are excellent and well used therefore further investment in more sites and extending their hours of operation would help reduce congestion.

"Closing Westlegate to through traffic - if not completely then from 10am to 4pm -would certainly reduce traffic passing through the City and link improve connectivity of the City.

"Staggering the starting times of schools and other institutions, and encouraging the use of flexi time in businesses would also help reduce congestion.

"Making improvements to cycling and pedestrian facilities, and finally but most importantly reliable, efficient and affordable buses. If the above are effective in reducing congestion then the buses should be able to give reliable services.

"When the County Council consult with the public, businesses and retailers on whether congestion charging would be viable for Norwich I think there are two important questions to ask," concluded Cllr Lubbock. The first is 'are there not alternatives to reducing congestion?' The second 'if it is introduced will the money be ring fenced for improvements to sustainable transport, real alternatives to the car, and not be used for building the NDR?'."