Driven to despair

Berkshire motorists who suffer from a persecution complex will be feeling vindicated this week after a new survey placed Reading and Slough at the bottom of a national league table for 'car-friendliness'.

The story hit headlines across the media. Watch the ITV news report here.

Many of the more reactionary sources quoted the famous Betjeman line that Slough 'isn't fit for humans,' although it now seems isn't it fit for machines either!

Anyone who commutes through Sonning or along the Shinfield Road knows exactly what they're getting at. And a recent road rage incident on Richfield Avenue shows what effect the pressures can cause.

Reading dropped from 63rd to 65th-out-of-65 since 2010 while Slough fell one place to 61st according to the list compiled by insurer Virgin Money, which takes into account a range of criteria including vehicle crime, petrol prices, the average cost of parking for two hours and the number of speed cameras on main roads.

In the circulated press release Virgin spokesperson Grant Bather noted rises in fuel duty and VAT contributed to petrol price inflation of 20%, while on-going parking problems, speeding tickets and vehicle crime meant some "UK drivers can be forgiven for feeling as though they need to steer clear of urban areas."

He emphasised the role of local officials, saying, "not all towns and cities are the same and many local authorities do their best to ensure driver’s aren’t treated like second-class citizens."

There is hope though, as the West Bromwich's typically yo-yoing example shows what is possible, rising from 34th a year ago to 2nd in the most recent rankings.
 
RBC's Cabinet member for Transport, Cllr Richard Willis, identifies this as a political matter and puts the blame squarely on the previous Labour administration, describing how he is "very conscious that measures that have been taken over many decades have led Reading to be seen as car unfriendly," before pointing to a series of reforms which are already having a positive impact.

These include the removal of several sets of traffic lights across the borough to aid the flow of vehicles.

Tilehurst's Cllr Ricky Duveen explains a review of road management found a number of controlled junctions served 'no useful purpose'. He is clearly relieved, saying of one unpopular set in the Meadway, "they will not be missed."

But this doesn't amount to carte blanche for petrol-heads.

A 'Speedwatch' scheme will be expanded borough-wide after a successful trial by the East Tilehurst NAG. Volunteers are being given access to speed monitoring equipment to help identify registration numbers.

NAG chairperson David Webber offered praise to the efforts of residents, RBC and Thames Valley Police which has seen over 150 educational letters sent to speeding drivers. He said,

"The most impressive aspect was the number of motorists who supported the campaign by stopping and thanking those taking part in the initiative."

And action on rat-running is another a long-term campaigning issue.

Conservative Cllr Wazir Hussain is pleased to have a sympathetic administration to oversee the introduction of 20mph zones in residential roads, but the Green Party's Cllr Rob White attempts to claim personal credit for this policy.

Meanwhile the leader for neighbourhoods and renewal on Slough Borough Council, Labour's Cllr James Swindlehurst, attempted to defend his administration's record against the perceived attack, arguing that road safety and maintenance weren't taken sufficiently into account. He said:

"It is a shame a survey like this concentrates only on issues which involve the expenses incurred by car drivers rather than the whole experience of driving."

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More transport matters

Row Over Heathrow Credit Claims

The volcanic ash cloud which has grounded aircraft across the country has brought back into focus the controversial decision to build a third runway at Heathrow.

Many residents have been celebrating the reduction in noise pollution as several days of clear skies have provided a demonstration of the difference it makes to everyday quality of life.

Only a couple of weeks ago campaigners were also celebrating the decision in the High Court forcing a review of Government policy on expansion. The statutory public consultation was described as flawed and founded on 'out of date' information which makes .

Councils across Berkshire together with Greenpeace and the Campaign to Protect Rural England (CPRE) have signed up to the 2M coalition group opposed to a third runway.

Colnbrook Parish Council Chairman Laurie Tucker said,

"This is an enormous win for everyone who is affected by Heathrow's air traffic. We welcome this decision but I am sure the government will not back down without a fight."

Conservative leader on Windsor and Maidenhead council Cllr David Burbage claimed it was a victory over Gordon Brown's Labour.

He pays credit to Labour rebel John MacDonnell MP, Conservative Justine Greening MP and LibDem Susan Kramer MP who've spearheaded the cross-party parliamentary campaign group and describes the decision as a "total vindication of the action we've taken on behalf of residents to help prevent vast airport expansion."

Meanwhile Adrian Windisch claims the decision is 'another Green victory'.

However Judge Carnwarth refused to quash the planning application and the Department of Transport said it would 'robustly defend' the expansion plans as the latest evidence would be taken into account when the review took place later in the year - meaning the campaign is a long way from being over yet.

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More on the plans for Heathrow expansion

Blitz On Potholes

As the financial year winds towards it's close money has apparently been found in council budgets to spend on fixing this winter's spate of potholes.

In West Berkshire £200,000 has been found "to bring roads... back up to acceptable standard", according to the upbeat executive member for transport, Cllr Dave Betts.

In Bracknell £100,000 will be spent replacing temporary 'plugs' with lasting repairs.

And in Reading a blitz on the problem has been undertaken in preparation for the heavy footfall of this weekend's half-marathon.

Race director Chris Summer explained that safety concerns for runners had caused the burst of activity, despite some suggestions by cynical commenters that the matter is being given prioritisation to enhance the image of the town rather than provide for the daily routine of residents.



Meanwhile Wokingham's Cllr Prue Bray worries that potholes are an endless problem.

She notes that although many have been filled in recently the roads are in such a state that new ones keep cropping up and asks if anyone is keeping count.

So it's worth looking at potholes.co.uk which has a geo-list of pothole locations and is tracking how quickly they are repaired, while the Fill That Hole reporting site has compiled a league table of local authorities according to their responses to reported problems.

Berkshire's councils rank as follows (out of 212 councils nationwide):

#15 Bracknell Forest - 57% fixed
#21 Reading - 54% fixed
#30 Windsor & Maidenhead - 48% fixed
#41 Wokingham - 43% fixed
#42 Slough - 41% fixed
#78 West Berkshire - 33% fixed


Elsewhere Patrick Barkham asks 'Why are our roads full of potholes?'

To which Rachel Lefort answers: the estimated 2m potholes arising every year are a result of what the Local Government Association claims is an £8bn shortfall in the required transport budget and that this leads to an inevitable postcode lottery in the volume and speed of repairs.

Yet government departments appear locked in an divisive battle to paper over the cracks by trying to decide when a hole becomes a pothole according to the size of the damaged road surface.

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Update: Labour's Cllr Tony Page has expressed the fear that repairing all the potholes within Reading borough boundaries will cost 'many millions of pounds' to do the work satifactorily, yet Anneliese Dodds proudly boasts of the £106,600 being spent on the roadworks.

Reading spokesperson Sarah Bishton said the council works teams repaired 165 potholes every day while also undertaking a significant programme of resurfacing work, however commentators reacted with extreme scepticism to this figure leaving the impression that she had confused daily with weekly figures.

Claire Smith reports RBWM has mended 4,500 potholes since Christmas after the worst winter in 30 years.

LibDems in West Berkshire have seized upon the claims made by the ruling Conservatives, arguing that roads are in an 'appalling' state.

Cllr Keith Woodhams commented, "Standards are nowhere near acceptable." He said, "Many roads in the district... have been left in an appalling state for months," adding that the low quality of repairs meant many potholes reappeared soon after they were supposedly fixed.

Scaryduck notes how anger at potholes is literally exploding out of this world!

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Background: Potholes Pile Up; Potholes Get Political, Beneath The Surface; Filling A Gap

Potholes Pile Up

Following on from previous posts, the continuing irritation of potholes on our roads remain in the mind across the county and beyond.

In Wokingham Cllr Prue Bray managed to report 29 potholes in one week, while Paul Walter reported 8 in West Berkshire in just one day!

On cue, West Berkshire have announced an increase of 50% (an additional £220,000) to the emergency road repair budget,

Elsewhere Scaryduck reports on the £1m bill to fix potholes in Banbury, while according to the Local Government Association the national cost could easily reach £100m as 1.6m new potholes have been reported.

But a solution is available...

About 50 UK councils have acquired new Jetpatcher machines, which use the 'velocity patching technique' and is estimated to be 80% more cost effective than traditional road repairs, offers reduced repair time (and therefore disruption to traffic) of a third while lasting longer and is more environmentally friendly too.


Oranjepan asks:
How many avoidable accidents have occurred as a result of inadequate repairs due to outdated resources?

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Background: Potholes Get Political, Beneath The Surface; Filling A Gap

Barriers To Safety

The fatal car accident in which a man from Wiltshire was killed after careering across the open central reservation on the A329(M) has stirred many in the local community to rise up in protest against poor road safety.

23-year-old RAF technician Paul Payne died instantly in the rush hour collision when he lost control of his Fiat Punto and hit a Ford Transit travelling in the opposite direction.

The driver of the van, Colin Cowdell, has called for barriers to be erected so that further deaths can be averted. He explained how he was driving at 50mph when he noticed the other car out of the corner of his eye before the impact occurred.

"It all happened in a microsecond. There was nothing I could do," he said.

Several accidents on the same stretch of dual carriageway have resulted in fatal injuries in recent years, all of which could have been avoided.

A 27-year-old woman from Caversham died in 'identical' circumstances in 2007. At her inquest coroner Peter Bedford highlighted the lack of safety barriers.

A spokesperson for the council authority explained that they were proceeding with moves to put barriers in place as a matter of urgency and would be introducing a speed limit as an interim measure, but nothing happened.

Reading Post is coordinating the campaign to raise public awareness of the issue to pressure Wokingham council to act - you can join the Facebook group here and there is an E-petitition lodged at the Prime Minister's site Number10.gov.uk which you are encouraged to sign.

In response Conservative leader of Wokingham Borough Council Cllr David Lee has pledged £650,000 start work later this month, but explains they simply don't have the cash available to spend the estimated £4-5m required.

Meanwhile Cllr Prue Bray, who is the LibDem parliamentary candidate for Wokingham as well as leader of the opposition group on the council, provides an illuminating account of the debate behind the facts.

She explains how the stretch of road is an anomaly caught between several stools - although it is classed as a motorway, maintenance and safety are the responsibility of the local authority rather than the national Highways Agency, as would be normal.

The council has requested assistance from central government for the work, but they declined. So the council is faced with a choice about how to find the funds.

Cllr Bray says she was "stunned" to hear Conservative proposals that funds could be shifted from commitments already made in the school-building programme and describes 'replacing schools v crash barriers' as a "completely false and unnecessary choice."

And she launches a powerful attack against John Redwood who was interviewed on BBC Berkshire to suggest the "extremely expensive" new school for Arborfield could be cancelled. She says this is unrealistic and potentially illegal, since it conflicts with the borough's agreed strategy that will see housing developers pay for the school as part of plans to build 6,000 new homes in the area.

But it isn't a forlorn hope to get the barriers up. She points out that a funding plan could easily be accomodated within the scope of other transport measures, such as the Transport Innovation Fund bid or the Local Transport Plan (which is currently being consulted on).

Clearly this issue threatens to turn into a major dividing line heading into the election period, as Cllr Bray concludes the public shouldn't be fooled by the choices as presented to us and argues that positive solutions are more matter of imaginative use of resources than trading favours.

Potholes Get Political

Cyclists obviously obsess about potholes and the recent 'big freeze' has only given given them more reasons to get annoyed at the state of road maintenance in the area.

As an example a complete road closure along a cycle route is chronicled by the local print media.

Meanwhile LibDems have called for an investigation into the problem.

Cllr Benson explained how diversions cause inconvenience but the expense of damage to motor vehicles is a real issue which hits all residents in their pockets indisciminately, "Everywhere you go in Reading the evidence of the impact of the recent bad weather is staring you in the face - massive potholes."

Chair of Reading's Environment scrutiny panel Tilehurst's Cllr Ricky Duveen agreed, saying there are plenty of questions to be asked of the council about their priorities.

The issue has caused some controversy among commenters as some accused the parliamentary hopeful of wasting time 'looking into holes', while others were full of praise saying this is a direct example where public money has diverted from basic services to politically expedient luxuries.


Oranjepan asks:
As reported previously the cheaper option of making patchwork repairs is only a temporary solution which is exposed during periods of bad weather. How many temporary cures must we put up with before we start looking at the underlying problems to find lasting preventative measures?

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Update: BBC South's political correspondent Peter Henley featured the subject in his weekly slot on the Politics Show.

West Berkshire cyclist Dougie Lawson broke his wrist when he was unable to avoid a pothole, while Will Wilson argued recent bad weather was just blame shifting, saying, "the impact was so bad because of the already poor state of the surfaces".

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Background: Beneath The Surface; Filling A Gap

Labour Crumbles In Face Of 'Call In'

Opposition groups are celebrating victory over Reading's dominant Labour group after a decision to impose big increases on car park charges was overturned without a fight.

The move came under heavy criticism from Conservative and LibDem groups who felt it was being pushed through without adequate consideration or consultation.

Labour deputy leader and transport spokesperson Cllr Tony Page apologised for abusing the political process by seeking to impose changes against normal protocols.

Conservative transport spokesperson Cllr Willis is somewhat triumphalist in his attempt to claim credit for the U-Turn, but notes how the rises in car park costs is a result of a recently-agreed 15-year deal between RBC and car park operator NCP which guaranteed council income rises in line with inflation (which is soaring according to John Redwood).

However LibDem transport spokesperson Cllr Duveen picks up that the plans have not been stopped in their tracks, only watered-down as they will be subjected to the correct processes of public consultation.

Both sides argue the case shows the Labour party to be in decline both locally as well as nationally, providing more reasouns to vote them 'out' of power - Cllr Willis says they are 'clapped out', while Cllr Duveen says Labour are 'out of touch'.

In a separate area Redland LibDems note another revenue raising initiative has hit the buffers as a plan to charge council tenants for communal lighting and cleaning services on top of current rent increases.

Cllr Benson responded to complaints that some of the borough's poorest and most vulnerable residents were only given a month over the holiday period to respond to detailed documents. It seems very few are happy about the quality of the current service and even fewer about the prospect of being targetted to plug the gap in the budget which has grown from ban management.


Oranjepan says:
With budget planning fully underway in preparation for the year ahead a major battle over the narrative of cuts and spending is already being fought. Labour has lost round one.

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Update: Adam Hewitt provides details of a range of funding cuts made by the borough to voluntary services.

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More on Reading Budget 2010/11

Beneath The Surface

After the frost comes the thaw and interest turns to the things which were once buried but are now uncovered.

Potholes are created when ice forms in worn or damaged road surfaces and are a constant nuisance to drivers and cyclists alike.

Karen Blakeman has been out with her camera taking pictures to report repairs needed in Caversham - as she says "the lower half of the road on Donkin Hill looks as though it has been repeatedly bombed."

She advertises Potholes.co.uk, which is a campaign website set up "to highlight poor state of British roads and help motorists seek compensation from Councils" - although she notes that the operators of the site have a commercial interest which makes her query its' value.

Meanwhile the BBC fulfils its' public service remit by explaining how quick fixes are the road to deeper problems and lasting damage.

While the problems after a severe bout of winter weather are bigger than usual it is the same whenever it happens.

Redlands LibDems are on the case.

Reading List picked up on the issue last year to promote the variety of ways and services available to the public which can be used to report problems so they can be dealt with before they get worse.

You can contact your council directly by freephoning 0800 626 540, or you can report the location of any required road maintenance to your local councillor.

Or you can avail yourself of online services.

Fill That Hole is an excellent public resource operated by the Cyclist's Touring Club, while FixMyStreet can be used to report a wider variety of problems (including lighting, litter etc) run by the recommended MySociety group of civic advocacy volunteers.

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Update: Grafitti taggers have also been on the rampage under cover of the weather.

Car Park Spats

A decision to drastically increase local car park charges has come under heavy criticism.

According to the unsigned Reading Post article council officers made the decision in consultation with Labour deputy leader Cllr Tony Page, who argued that improvements to car park facilities need to be paid for somehow, despite denying there were no plans to introduce new charges last year.

The move by local Labour politicians comes in stark contrast to recent advice by national Labour figures on car parking at NHS hospitals when minister Andy Burnham MP said a "fairer, more consistent approach" is required.

Conservative transport spokesperson Cllr Richard Willis says he was 'horrified' that Labour had tried to sneak through a 'massive' increase by 'stealth'.

Meanwhile LibDems have utilised 'call-in' powers under the 'No Overall Control' system to force the council leadership to justify the decision or reconsider.

Transport spokesperson Cllr Ricky Duveen says he was outraged by the move, explaining, "There has been no consultation with local councillors, no notice, just a decision announced."

But Cllr Willis tetchily responded in an update by citing unnamed officials who have 'confirmed' tory claims for credit, although Reading List understands the 'call in' was effectively invoked by both sides separately.

Conservatives are pleased that some long-stay charges are to be reduced, but are angry that some previously free sites will have charges levied for the first time. Clearly they think everything should be paid for directly from council tax revenues.

In an almost opposite position LibDems responded to residents complaints about long stay parking at the Recreation Rd car park by agreeing to introduce charges, which would enable short stays to remain free while paying for recent revamps.


Oranjepan says:
Who makes the decisions shows who is in charge. Who is consulted shows in whose interests the decision is made. Comparing the reasons given now to those they gave previously shows how good they are at doing their job.

Puncturing Myths Of Speed Camera Debate

It is a debate which polarises opinion according to your driving style.

Some people buzz about everywhere thinking everyone should be responsibility for their own actions in the evolutionary bear pit of the roads, while others just tootle along trying to keep calm as the world thunders by.

And so it is with the politics of the speed camera debate.

Right-winger Cllr Willis applauds the courage shown by colleagues running Swindon Council to remove all speed cameras at fixed site locations.

He says that now, six months after the changes, "it is possible to assess the impact of the decision".

With all revenues being sent directly to central government while all maintenance costs are covered by local taxpayers, the opposition transport spokesman argues that the current system is a bad deal, while supporters call them machines a means of collecting stealth taxes.

On the other side of the road left-winger Adrian Windisch argues that for all their imperfections speed cameras save lives.

Adrian covers a lot of ground as he cuts and pastes a bevvy of statistics. He cites Department of Transport figures showing £104m was raised from speeding fines and £110m returned to councils in the form of grants to pay for road safety measures (although this was distributed unevenly in proportion to numbers of accidents in different areas).

He quotes Robert Gifford of the Parliamentary Advisory Council for Transport Safety (which concluded from a four-year evaluation that 100 lives are saved annually); campaign group Brake (which "wholeheartedly opposes this reckless decision" by Swindon Conservatives); the AA (who argue cameras are part of a full compliment of road safety measures); and the Institute of Advanced Motorists who say,

"this move by one local authority smacks of tokenism, and may fuel public cynicism that the priority is saving cash rather than saving lives."

Adrian also says six months is not enough time to make a judgement on the result of the decision in Swindon, although the parliamentary candidate appears to have already conceded defeat nearly six months out from the election time in the expectation of tory gains as he says "this may be the shape of things to come".

Meanwhile BBC provides a useful interactive mapping device, indicating the location of all road traffic accidents.

According to their report the government is in the process of releasing it's 10-year strategy which it hopes will Britain's roads 'the safest in the world'.

The introduction of more 20mph zones and smarter car technology, such as Intelligent Speed Adaption (making use of computer controls to override vehicle drivers), are expected to have a big impact on increasing safety.

Nevertheless, as Mr Gifford summarises, there is a 'looming battle' around the changing use of cars.

He says the car is the embodiment of two equally appealing concepts - mobility and autonomy - but if we are unable to find our own limits and mitigate any negative consequences we risk losing either or both as society will take over areas where individuals demonstrate irresponsibility.

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Update: Since the cameras were removed from Swindon streets, insurance claims have 'soared' - this is despite the number of speeders falling by a half.

Conservative council leader Cllr Rod Bluh stated this was vindication of their policy, but AA Head of road safety Andrew Howard criticised their ideological stance, explaining that the figures are within normal levels of statistical variation.


Oranjepan asks:
Slow down, be stopped or pay the price?

Clearly for some speed cameras are a case of all or nothing - but when was there ever any single silver bullet?

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Related Reading: SERCO Boss Caught Speeding

Take Your Seats

Resting limbs and taking the weight off our rears is all part of travelling by train, but our comfort is something everybody takes personally and any slight aggravation is can make us sore...

There are never enough spaces to sit, so Diggestive prefers to stand in the buffet car people watching.

A range of animal behaviour is always on display indicating the wide range of commuter species on board. Unsuccesful courtship rituals are the kind of thing which pass under his critical eye.

The feeding habits of fellow passengers preoccupies Elizabeth Thomas, while their personal grooming (or lack thereof) grabs the attention of the Baglady.

But it could be worse.

Robin Smith worries about where to put his load!

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Update: Miffy indulges in some schadenfreude at the expense of an illicit smoker on platform 9.

Kristin is no fan of standing during journeys, which is obviously part of the culture shock.

The TIF Tiff

A massive bid for funding to help improve local transport could be threatened by a political row.

Reading Borough Council applied for £300m from the national Transport Innovation Fund (TIF) to sort out long-standing infrastructure issues and help reduce congestion recieved cross-party backing in July, but Conservatives in West Berkshire and Wokingham opposed the move because it may result in charges being levied on motorists.

Executive member for Transport on Wokingham Borough Council Cllr Keith Baker said his party recognises the potential benefits of a third bridge but insisted on "binding consultation of its residents".

Conservative-dominated Oxfordshire County Council also came out against plans for a third Thames bridge unless it was restricted exclusively to use by cyclists, pedestrians and public transport.

3,600 households in Shiplake, Sonning Common, Harpsden, Binfield Heath, Eye and Dunsden, Kidmore End and Mapledurham have since been surveyed on the plans with a resounding 98.7% giving the thumbs down, although only 30% responded.

Eye and Dunsden Parish Councillor, David Woodward, who is chairman of the South Oxfordshire Parishes Transport Innovation Group, explained:

"Reading’s consultation has been too little, too late — telling councillors what is in the bid at the last minute is not the same as asking local people what they think."

Deputy Leader of Reading Borough Council, Labour's Cllr Tony Page, called on his political opponents to be more pragmatic as the government-imposed rules on bids to the fund require charging to be considered as part of any package.

Reading LibDem Transport spokesperson Cllr Ricky Duveen explained that the funding bid is designed to have far-reaching effects which will have a major impact. He added,

"the TIF bid... recognises that if all the proposed measures do not seriously lower the levels of congestion in Reading town centre in the coming years then some form of charging will be needed."

Meanwhile Adam Hewitt reports on a leaked document outlining the areas which may be included in the charging zone.

Cllr Page offered the reassurance that Reading residents would be exempted from charges which could be between £2 and £4, but said no final decision had been reached on this yet.

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Update: Adam Hewitt provides full details of the £300m funding bid to the Transport Innovation Fund.


Oranjepan says:
Reading has long been a bottleneck for road-users, with particular 'pinch points' created as traffic funnels through the town and across the rivers, so until there is political agreement across local councils about how to proceed towards a solution ordinary residents will continue to suffer.

If the parties in power cannot decide then it is time for a wider public debate on the future of local transport.

Park & Ride Controversy

The debate over the Loddon Bridge Park & Ride scheme provides further illumination into the state of local public transport.

The joint decision by Wokingham's Conservative and Reading's Labour adminstrations to increase bus fares and parking charges, while also reducing the availability and accessibility of the service was overturned when it was 'called in' for additional scrutiny.

Reading Post stirs the controversy by reporting the accusation that LibDems are 'playing politics' on the issue.

Labour's deputy leader, Cllr Tony Page defended the fare increases and service cuts saying that the LibDems are just wasting time and money arguing against them. A three-week delay in implementing the changes will cost the council-owned Reading Transport Company an estimated £10,000.

But local LibDems have launched a coordinated fightback online, arguing that bus users are a vulnerable social group who are being disregarded by the authorities.

Winnersh's Cllr Prue Bray describes how Conservatives on Wokingham Borough Council avoided consultation because they are purely concerned about bottom-line economic considerations. She questions their commitment to sensible financial policy

Reading LibDem transport spokesman Cllr Ricky Duveen highlights the problem of congestion and notes how private car use is being encouraged in the area - which contradicts the councils' green credentials.

And Cllr Warren Swaine explains how Conservatives and Labour are working in combination to the detriment of all by shifting blame for failures in order to avoid being accountable for their actions.

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More on Reading Buses

United Front Against Economic Threat To Public Transport

Reading Transport company continues to be a focus for political debate as Unite trade Union members were balloted on industrial action at the bus service provider.

279 members voted as strike action was rejected by a margin of 164-to-115, but alternative forms of protest were sanctioned by 158-to-129.

CEO James Freeman was relieved at the outcome and said he was encouraged that so many people participated in the process.

But he added that disruption may be "less than helpful" because of the economic recession and warned against 'exacerbating' the situation:

"any action that disrupted bus services would damage the crucial relationship the bus company and its staff has with its customers. And we value that relationship most highly. We are therefore going to be working hard to mitigate the effect of any action on our customers."

107fm provides the fullest quote.

Difficulties in staying out of the red have forced public interevention in the local authority-owned company to save popular routes, such as the vital 63 and 64 services to Woodley.

Wokingham Borough Council Conservatives Council Leader Cllr David Lee and executive member for highways and transport Cllr Keith Baker agreed that it was important to seek ways to avert the threat to strategic routes.

Loddon Councillor Phil Challis (LibDem) explained:

"This is an area where there is a lot of social needs so we need to make sure it is understood that having frequent and reliable bus services is part of having a sustainable community."

Elsewhere Reading Forum has an interesting thread comparing the prices of bus services.

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Update: The cause of Reading Buses is not being helped as bad communications with Thames Water is likely to cause additional disruption when roadworks in Gun Street commence this week.

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Background: Reading Buses In Turmoil

Reading Buses In Turmoil

Despite being an award-winning transport company the publicly-owned Reading Buses has been garnering some negative headlines as it turns into an unwitting vicitim of the current economic climate.

A six-per-cent drop in passengers has contributed to losses totalling £40,000-per-week and this has lead to managment imposing swinging cutbacks including the closure of 'economically unviable' routes.

LibDem Parliamentary candidate for Reading East, Cllr Gareth Epps, described how quickly the situation had changed for the cash-heavy business, "without any real public awareness," and called for neighbouring local authorities to pool their resources to support valued local services in a move which has since been taken up.

Meanwhile a threatened strike by the Unite union appears to have been warded off following a vote of no confidence in the board of directors.

The company has faced severe criticism for ongoing fare rises in rural areas and scheduling confusion caused when a popular service between Tadley and Reading was cancelled - only six months after it was introduced.

A massive reorganisation of the bus schedules was introduced for the start of the new school year, but this hasn't been enough to stop the slide in the company's fortunes.

Worryingly, the company website is struggling to keep up with all the changes, and passengers may be being deterred by the difficulty in gaining reliable information.

The state of affairs has reached such a pitch that a public meeting was organised by Maiden Erlegh Resident's Association on 10th September to discuss services in East Reading and Earley.

This follows an emergency subsidy authorised by Reading Borough Council to protect the 22 route and a temporary deal between Wokingham Borough Council and Thames Travel to keep the 83 route to Woodley's Bulmershe School until Christmas.

Bus bosses have defended their business plan to maintain a 1% profit margin on popular routes as offering 'value for money' and rejected calls to open up public transport to competition, saying the 15% margin charged by First bus company would reduce choice.

They also argued their wide variety of tickets enabled customers to get best value according to their needs.

Oranjepan says:
A profusion of choices only leads to confusion, but Hobson's choice is no choice at all.

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Update: Reading East MP Rob Wilson has responded by urging bus workers to reject strike motions during a ballot this week, arguing that industrial action would be counterproductive.

Reading Joins Runaway Opposition to 3rd Runway

The people of Reading have spoken with resounding unity in opposition to the building of a third runway at Heathrow, and now this has been followed up by RBC's official move to join the 2M groupment of councils. 2M now comprises a coalition of 24 councils opposed to further expansion of the the transport hub.

Royal Borough of Windsor & Maidenhead council leader Cllr David Burbage welcomed the announcement, stating

"We are delighted to welcome Reading on board. It shows just how widely the impact of a third runway would be felt across the south east."

"We have built a broad coalition which comprises councils and MPs from every party, local authorities representing rural and urban areas as well as a host of environmental and residents groups. With support from so many different areas I am confident this is a battle we can win."

LibDem parliamentary spokesperson for Reading East, Cllr Gareth Epps said in a statement that it was a pity that it had taken so long for the ruling Labour group to face up to their responsibilities to represent the people of Reading, who oppose a third runway by an 'overwhelming majority', and explained the proposed third runway "makes a mockery of Labour's commitment to tackle climate change".

The move has been under discussion for several months as Reading's ruling Labour administration was criticised for putting forward an equivocal stance and refusing to stand up on behalf of residents against their party colleagues in government.

Abbey ward's Cllr Tony Page previously hoped to allay public anger by calling for a review designed to report back after the next general election, but he was criticised by LibDem transport spokesman Cllr Ricky Duveen for "shilly-shallying" around the subject.

The proposed expansion has recently come under increasing fire as the economic downturn has raised questions over the ability of private operator BAA to afford the massive investment required following the company's debt refinancing package only recently agreed in August 2008.

A spokesman for the Department of Transport confirmed that the government had "at no time" provided guarantees for financing of the project.

Meanwhile, BAA, the corporate owners of Heathrow, have announced that they are holding a 16-week consultation exercise to gather public concerns about the noise generated by aircraft flight paths - the consultation runs until October 5th 2009 and you can have your say online.

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To find out more visit the Stop Heathrow Expansion and 2M Group websites.

For in-depth coverage of the plans' local relevance click here.

Getting The Railways Back On Track

Reading Borough Council's Corporate, Community and External Affairs (CCEA) Scrutiny Panel is due to stage it's second annual session where public concerns over the state of the railways will be raised and discussed.

First Great Western Managing Director Mark Hopwood and Route Director Richard Rowland will represent the company.

They will be joined by FGW's Reading Re-Development Project Team, Tony Walker for Network Rail and Reading Borough Council's Head of Transport Pat Baxter to answer questions about the the recently submitted plans for the massive redevelopment of Reading Station.

Matt Brady advertises the meeting due to be held tomorrow, on Tuesday 30th June starting at 6.30pm in the Council Chamber at Reading Civic Centre.

Matt is angry that Network Rail bosses are paid six-figure sums while presiding over a service which is "often unpleasant and horrendously expensive", while Robin Smith adds his concern at recent 30% fare rises.

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Update: Redlands LibDems, Cllr Daisy Benson and Cllr Kirsten Bayes, are taking a proactive line and will be putting the corporate bigwigs on the spot.

LibDem transport spokesperson, Cllr Ricky Duveen criticised the non-attendance of Labour members on the committee and said, "We need a dialogue between FGW and Reading rail users and will be campaigning for this to continue."

Here Cllr Benson reports back.

Matt Brady is all in favour of a rail user group to communicate with the operator.


Oranjepan says:
If you have any questions you wish to raise why not go along to the meeting yourself. If you can't make it please use this online form to post a question.

Parallels In Parking

Reading Borough Council is consulting on re-regulating the limited amount of car-parking space on streets around the town. Proposed changes also include overall levels of parking, a new zonal parking scheme and new parking standards for bicycles and motorcycles.

The consultation is open until June 26th and members of the public are encouraged to get in contact to make sure all views are heard.

Redlands LibDem, Cllr Benson, discusses the issue, which she says was consistently raised during her recent housing consultation initiative and is always high in her casework in-box.

According to the LibDem representative, the widely held concern was of the impact of more multiple-occupancy dwellings and flats and the increases in car numbers this will result in.

Rob White also advertises the consultation, explaining that double yellow lines in many parts of town need repainting.

In Caversham requests from residents for new restrictions on parking along Henley Road have sparked protests as householders unaware of the ongoing consultation have accused the council of trying "to ram through these measures without regard to their impact."

Overspill parking and road safety are clearly growing in importance as traffic densities increase, but the limited availability of space is leading to confrontation between householders and youths on the recreational side of the coin.

Labour deputy leader of RBC, Cllr Tony Page feels cruising is anti-social and the crowds of youngsters who gather to proudly parade their modified cars at the Reading Gate Retail Park often cause unacceptable levels of noise. Cllr Page said, "I cannot think of any appropriate place to have it."

Spokesman Karl Allen says many feel aggrieved that the behaviour of a minority is leading to hundreds being harrassed unnecessarily by the Police and has called on the council to work with the group to provide an allocated space where they can gather safely and without fear of the authorities.

The performance car scene sporadically hits headlines as it is targetted to prevent outbreaks of street racing or other forms of petty criminality (such as this Independent report from 2000), however cruising remains a popular alternative lifestyle, with TeamShock reporting over 1,000 active members across Berkshire and is consistently ranked in the top-3 nationwide at the National Car Club Championships.

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Update: Cllr Glenn Goodall reports from the Traffic Management Advisory Panel. As does Cllr Swaine.

Round-Up: Station Designs Move Ahead

The massive redevelopments at Reading's Station Hill have been given the full treatment by local journalists and bloggers recently.


Station Hill
New plans show the site will eventually house over 1m sq ft of mixed-use space in five skyscrapers reaching up to 120m (400ft) height after a previous plan was vetoed last year with English Heritage and CABE expressing concern about the scale of the impact of such a development.

Reading Guide's 'Editor John' is excited by the plans but notes some incongruity in the extended back-and-forth manner of accepting a bigger version of something which was put on hold because it was too big. The central location of the site meant it was always likely to be a drawn out affair, however, as attested to by this 6-year-old thread from skyscrapercity.

So it strikes a discordant note that Sackville director Ian Smith says of the plans that "the overall size density has been reduced by 24 per cent," while it is simultaneously described as being 'bigger and better'.

Conservative MP for Reading East, Rob Wilson, also supports the plans. He said of the changes made in the intervening review, "it has addressed the concerns raised in the original plan, with more public space and better access for pedestrians." Which is what you'd expect as the site will now cover 5.1 acres (up from 3.5 acres).

Local businessman and consortium leader Sir John Madejski has been on a promotional campaign as he hopes to win backing for his commercial proposals. The plans were laid out in an exhibition last weekend and it is expected that a planning application will go to the council in June with the hope that work will begin in 2011 and the expectation that the first phase will be completed by 2014.

You can view the architects designs here.

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Reading Station
Reading Chronicle helpfully provides a timeline for the plans.

Leader of RBC, Labour's Cllr Jo Lovelock could hardly keep her hat on, effusively hyping the new station as the best thing to hit Reading "since Brunel was alive."

Executive director of Reading UK CIC, Tim Smith, is most worried about any further potential delays considering total passenger numbers using Reading station are expected to double from 17m to 35m within the next decade. He urged, "the sooner we can get this going, the better for Reading."

However Conservative group leader Cllr Andrew Cumpsty took a slightly different line as he determined to be 'open' to ongoing discussions about the specifics of the scheme.

Which is probably a prudent course as LibDems are less convinced, offering only cautious support. Despite new £4.3m funding for an upgrade to nearby bus and taxi stops, they demand all forms of transport should be taken properly into account.

LibDem leader Cllr Gareth Epps said, "There is a huge danger that Reading loses an unrepeatable opportunity for a world-class transport interchange."

Transport spokesman Cllr Ricky Duveen explained, "we should be putting passengers first," adding that although regeneration is welcome, the council "cannot allow... regeneration at any price."

This echoed Network Rail's Robbie Burns, who, in announcing Bechtel as the engineering partner for the rail realignment, said, "Passengers and freight users are at the core of our work."

Cllr Willis notes the potential for controversy, but says "key for me is that as the plans evolve all users are informed and consulted."

Nonetheless Cllr Duveen states on his own blog that there is a larger lesson to be drawn from this saga.

He highlights the limitations of the current planning system when two massive developments are occurring side-by-side, but without coordination with what the other is doing.

Reading Forum also has an open thread for discussion.

Oranjepan says:
As the plans for the much-needed improvements in and around our stations steam ahead, we should ensure we aren't railroaded into hastily accepting anything less than everything we need.

We'll Cross That Bridge When We Come To It

The protracted discussions over the future of transport in and around Reading got a hearing as Hugh Fort discusses Oxfordshire County Council's 'admission' that it is considering the prospect of a third bridge across the Thames.

A bridge forms the centrepiece of a £300m bid to the Transport Innovation Fund (TIF), but Oxfordshire say they have concerns about traffic levels and would oppose private vehicles using the crossing.

By complete coincidence Caversham bridge was temporarily closed for exactly this purpose only a day earlier.