LOCAL ROADS BEAR BRUNT OF NATIONAL TRAFFIC CONGESTION

New figures uncovered by the Liberal Democrats show that road traffic in Durham and Northumberland has increased far above the national average. The data shows that road congestion from 1997 to 2006 increased in England by an average of 12%. However, figures for Durham and Northumberland show a regional increase of 17%, nearly one and a half times the national average.

Commenting on the revelations, Fiona Hall, Liberal Democrat MEP for the North East, said:

“These figures reinforce the utter failure of Labour’s regional transport policy. They have failed to stem the increase of traffic on our roads let alone to cut traffic congestion. Road congestion in the North East is spiralling out of control.

“Only two other regions in England fared worse for increases in traffic congestion. Road use in North Yorkshire rose by 19% and the figure was 20% in Northamptonshire – the worst region in the country.

“This reinforces that the North East needs urgent attention and an immediate rethink of a transport policy that is proving disastrous. Labour has refused to take heed of calls to upgrade the A1 and it is making similarly catastrophic mistakes by not backing a high-speed rail link to London.

“A study this week showed that people are spending more time than ever in their cars commuting to and from work. Yet, just a few days ago a pilot scheme in Durham encouraged people to leave their cars at home and resulted in a drop in city-centre traffic of between 10-15%.

"Increased investment in public transport and joined-up thinking on regional transport policies are vital if this busy and vibrant area of the country is not to be damaged further.  But these two key approaches have been absent from Labour’s plans. ”