Oct 22, 2007
IDR “Labour climbdown and Tories lacking vision”
Liberal Democrats secured assurances last night that Labour-run Reading Borough Council are removing the status of their one-way IDR plans as a ‘preferred option’, as the Council approved the nomination of Sir Brian Briscoe to Chair the independent commission on congestion in central Reading.
The Lib Dem amendment was surprisingly accepted by the ruling Labour group as Liberal Democrats challenged the mixed messages sent out by Labour over the IDR in recent months.
Welcoming the change of heart, Lib Dem transport spokesperson Cllr Ricky Duveen said:
“It is important that all Reading’s transport options were treated equally. We had to force the issue for Reading residents to know what Labour’s position actually was.
Now it’s up to Reading Labour Party to make it clear to the public what exactly is their preferred option to solve the congestion problems. It is up to them to do as we shall do – and present our ideas to the Briscoe Commission.”
In the debate, Cllr Gareth Epps referred to Reading Conservatives breaking an election pledge to “review plans for the IDR” and slammed their broken promise as a “shambles”. Gareth says:
“The Tories pledged to review the one-way IDR, having been split over it. Now they are refusing to take part in the commission – acting immaturely and irresponsibly.
It’s clear they have nothing to contribute to the debate on solving Reading’s congestion problems, and that their promises to win votes cannot be believed. They are nothing but a shambles.”
Editor’s Note: Reading East Conservative literature for the May elections pledged that they would “review plans for the IDR”.
