The Conservatibve administration has finally forced through at the third attempt the controversial Rapid Transport Route through back gardens in Newbridge.

This costly two lane highway for one bus every 15 minutes or so will not solve congestion problems and will cause considerable environmental damage. The Liberal Democrats are continuing to challenge this decision. The BRT is now subject to an Article 14 declaration, which means that Secretary of State John Denham will decide whether or not to call for a public inquiry into the scheme.

Council officers were even phoning around to businesses and others trying to whip up some support for the scheme.  And it is not that there are not alternatives available. The Conservative administration has simply refused to consider the Liberal Democrat alternative based on work to improve the Lower Bristol Road, such as the widening that has been promised for years.  This would actually help to reduce congestion in Bath.

And with the much welcomed announcement to electrify the London Bristol rail line now is surely thentime to refurbish and renew stations at Corsham, Box and Bathampton and get people onto rail and ride solutions from their local stations.

I was notified of a website that seemed to indicate that small independent garages would be under threat from European Legislation.

So I wrote the following to Graham Watson MEP ( What a pity he was not joined by Kay Barnard in June).

Graham

Please have a look at this web site  http://www.r2rc.co.uk/home/content/view/27/97/

If this correct it would potentially put Larkhall Garage (and many others) out of business. I have been using Larkhall Garage since 1985 when I moved to Bath and would like to be able to continue using them into the future.

many thanks
Paul

and got this reply back which is good news for small independent garages.

Dear Paul,

Thank you for your email of 25 July regarding the Block Exemption for Motor Vehicles (EU Regulation 1400/2002).

I should say in the first instance that in no way is the EU forcing independent garages to close through any removal of the above in 2010. An evaluation report recently adopted by the European Commission on the block exemption concluded that conditions for competition have improved in recent years on the markets for both new cars and repair and maintenance.

Independent repairers now have better access to technical information; and in fact this has been supported by EU legal enforcement in this regard.  In 2007, the European Commission adopted four decisions that legally bound Daimler Chrysler, Toyota , General Motors and Fiat to commitments to provide technical information about car repairs to all independent garages in the EU.

These commitments were sought precisely because of concerns that inadequate access to the full range of technical information could drive independent repairers from the market and that the agreements between the carmakers and their authorised repairers would therefore infringe European Union treaty rules on restrictive business practices.

The report concludes that the general framework of the block exemption has had positive effects overall, and that provisions such as those obliging manufacturers to give independent repairers access to technical information have been effective.  These provisions will in the future be superseded by rules in other EU policy areas, not least by a Regulation on vehicle emissions (0715/2007) which is spearheaded by government departments and ministers from EU governments including our own.    Although these are all positive signals, I appreciate the concerns that people have, having met with many local garage owners at a recent forum. I can also understand that some of the Commission’s communications on this matter have not always been as clear as they could have been. Consequently, I wrote to the Commission in May in order to gain assurances that whatever changes are made to MVBER, independent garages would still enjoy the same level of protection as before. I have since received a reply, and attach copies for your perusal. 

The response puts on the Parliamentary record the Commission’s commitment to ensuring that there is a level playing field when it comes to ensuring free access to tools, information and authorised repair networks. This clarification leaves little doubt that whatever changes are made to MVBER, the Commission will retain the power to protect independent garages and consumers as before.

Nonetheless, you can rest assured I shall continue to monitor the situation and endeavour to seek the best solution for small businesses and consumers.

Yours sincerely,Graham Watson MEP
Liberal Democrat Member of the European Parliament for South West England and Gibraltar

Parliamentary Question by Graham Watson (ALDE) to the Commission 19 May 2009 on Motor Vehicle Block Exemption Regulations

The European Commission is currently in the process of reformulating Regulation (EC) No 1400/2002 concerning Motor Vehicle Distribution and Servicing (MVBER).The Commission’s evaluation report concludes that although competition in the automotive industry has been stimulated to a degree, many provisions in the Block Exemption Regulations have proven ineffective, irrelevant or sometimes even counterproductive.

There lies an implicit message in Commission communications that many of the measures in MVBER will be scrapped, but that the overall goal of improving competition in the sector will be served by a patchwork of other legislation. Can the Commission therefore confirm that this will continue to provide the immediate and effective protection independent after-market operators require?

In the UK , there are more independent repairers than franchised dealers and they often charge half the hourly rate of franchised dealers, offering a local and affordable service. This not only provides a valuable service to consumers and the environment, but also accounts for thousands of jobs. Can the Commission confirm that whatever changes are made to MVBER, there will be clear legal protection for independent garages and repairers to access the tools, parts and information that they need to conduct repairs?

Answer given by Commissioner Kroes on behalf of the European Commission on 23 June [E-3664/2009]

The Commission would agree with the Honourable Member that independent garages provide motorists with a valuable, and often cheaper, alternative to the authorised networks, and that they also provide employment to large numbers of European citizens. As regards the ongoing review of Regulation 1400/2002 ^[1], any future competition framework for the motor vehicle sector must clearly ensure that the Commission can act when barriers are put in the way of independent repairers accessing tools, parts, and technical information.

One of the questions being analysed as part of the review of Regulation 1400/2002, in the light of the positive and negative impacts of the regulation identified in the Commission’s Evaluation Report of May 2008^[2] is what is the most effective means of ensuring a level playing field between authorised and independent repairers, to the benefit of the European consumer.

The Commission’s determination to ensure that competition is not impeded to the detriment of independent repairers and consumers can be gauged by the formal decisions that it adopted in four cases in 2007 (Daimler Benz, Fiat, GM and Toyota)^[3], with a view to ensuring that independent repairers have access to technical information. The Commission would like to assure the Honourable Member that any future competition framework replacing Regulation 1400/2002 will not affect the Commission’s ability or indeed willingness to take similarly robust action in the future.

---

^[1] Commission Regulation (EC) No 1400/2002 of 31 July 2002 on the application of Article 81(3) of the Treaty to categories of vertical agreements and concerted practices in the motor vehicle sector, OJ L 203, 1.8.2002.

^[2] See http://ec.europa.eu/competition/sectors/motor_vehicles/documents/evaluation_report_en.pdf

^[3] See press release IP/07/1332 of 14/09/2007

The fallout from the way the Conservative administration is handling its transport plans continues to gather pace. This afternoon I was talking with angry residents from Batheaston. This outrage and feeling of being cheated by the Conservative administration on this issue is not going to dissipate. The Conservatives may well say the whole Government package is at risk. Maybe it is and maybe it isn’t. What is clear is that residents want the proposals shelved and a fresh look taken at the issues and possibilities.

Our latest Press release on the subject

Lib Dems seek solutions to BRT chaos

Councillor Gerry Curran (Twerton) who is the Lib Dem lead on planning, has said that the situation following last week’s second Bath Transport Package planning committee is one of chaos and confusion and is trying to persuade the Council Leadership to agree to bring an alternative scheme to the next planning committee.

Councillor Curran said: “As things stand, the Conservative Leadership of B&NES Council is failing to take action, leaving a chaotic and confused situation. The planning application for the Newbridge Park & Ride and the bus rapid transit route has been deferred for the second time; it will come back a third time in August or September, but I can’t really see the point if the proposals are going to be the same. I have requested an urgent meeting with the Chief Executive and Leader of the Council to try and come up with a workable and acceptable solution. We certainly don’t want to lose the Package as a whole, but I believe it is time for the Council Leadership to shift their position. At the last planning committee meeting Councillors from all political Groups on the committee asked for the two elements of the planning application to be separated. My proposal is that we should drop the BRT segregated route in favour of a bus lane from the Golden Fleece on the Lower Bristol Road to Windsor Bridge combined with extensive works to the two junctions at either end of the bridge. Some of the money which would have been spent on the BRT should be put into the Western Riverside transport corridor, which might help kick start that whole project, while also bringing forward part of the transport package. I think this is a good argument to make to the government in the current economic climate. Finally, we should look again at the proposal for a park and ride on the other side of the river at Newbridge – it may now provide a better alternative.”

Councillor Curran has also asked for transparency about the legal advice given to Councillor Lees at the first planning committee on 20^th May when he was advised he could remain in the room, despite having been substituted, but then later may have been advised to leave.

Local Councillor Sharon Ball (Westmoreland) said: “As local ward Councillor for Westmoreland, which includes part of the Lower Bristol Road, I would welcome the park and ride buses travelling along the Lower Bristol Road, with the planned bus stops, which would enable my residents and Twerton residents to make use of the service.”

Local Councillor Caroline Roberts (Newbridge) added: “Residents are rightly angry at what they see as a betrayal of democracy over the way this application was handled and the TV interview with the chamber of commerce merely added insult to injury. This road is unnecessary, will not deliver the reduction on congestion and is simply not worth the pain and cost to enable commuters to get into work two minutes quicker.”

Sat Navs can be a nightmare when drivers just simply follow the instructions without thought or care. We have several unsuitable routes round here. The dog leg at the bottom of my road being an example with towed caravans getting stuck from time to time.

Our MP Don Foster and Liberal Democrat Councillor Neil Butters are leading a campaign to get new road signs warning sat nav drivers and also working with the companies concerned to avoid sending vehicles down unsuitable roads. Currently they are working on lorry signs but I think some for car drivers towing caravans etc would be useful too.

Letter from Neil to the Department

Dear Mr Hanson

I represent six parishes on Bath & North East Somerset Council.  One of these is Freshford.  You may have seen some press publicity recently about problems in Freshford, in particular in Ashe’s Lane. 

Anyhow, the bottom line is that Freshford does have a problem, with three lanes – the others being Rosemary Lane and Dark Lane .  The person most affected is a guy by the name of Alan Cunningham, an ex-Mail on Sunday journalist, who lives right on a crucial bend.  He has some dramatic photos…

You will no doubt be aware that Bath MP Don Foster has written to the Secretary of State about this.  A DfT spokesman has been quoted as saying that you are developing a new sign which should help.

Could you kindly let me know how your work is progressing on this front?

Regards Neil Butters Lib Dem, Bathavon South, B&NES

And the response

Dear Cllr Butters

Thank you for your email that Graham Hanson has forwarded to me to reply.

I am pleased to tell you that we have designed two informatory sigs to warn HGV drivers of an unsuitable route to take and I have attached the working drawings for your information. As these signs are not prescribed in current regulations, the relevant highway authority would need to apply to this Department for an authorisation which will allow them to use the signs countywide.

We have received an authorisation application from Peter Bailey of Bath and North East Somerset Council which will be processed shortly, and, just in case he is not already aware, you may wish to contact him with regard to having the signs sited near the problem area that is in Freshford.

Do get back in touch if you have any other questions.

Kind regards Judith Tracey

 

The Sustrans board met in Bath for one of their quarterly meetings. After the board work we had a prsentation on the Two Tunnels project and the onto the site to look at the scope and extent.

This will be a fabulous extension to the cycle network and will pass through two tunnels as well as requiring new bridges. It will enable cyclists to get from Midford under Combe Down and out into the heart of Bath using the old somerset rail lin into Green Park Station.

length 4 miles – Devonshire Tunnel 400M Combe Down Tunnel 1672M – 2 new bridges.

Lots of information on Two Tunnels Website

We finally seem to have set in place the joint project board between Sustrans, Two Tunnels and the Council. It took far longer than should have been the case as the Conservative administration dithered and doubted.

Last year Sustrans launched a campaign to win the Big National lottery prize for cycleways all over the UK under the Connect 2 banner. Here in Bath we had our own link with the Two Tunnels Scheme, from the centre of Bath with Midford going underneath Combe Down via two tunnels – one of which will be very long. It is a fantastic scheme but the Conservative administration have been dithering for months over making a meaningful committment to this exciting scheme.

By contrast the position of the Liberal Democrats is clear – support the project and enable the partners to get on and deliver. Sustrans first route many years ago was the Bath to Bristol route. This new project with its long tunnel will be a wonderful addition to the cycle network.

Two Tunnels backing from Council must be clear: Lib Dems

 

Councillor Paul Crossley, Leader of the Liberal Democrat Group on B&NES Council, has called on the Cabinet Member for Customer Services, Councillor Charles Gerrish, to make clear that the Council will back the Two Tunnels project properly and not leave their support up in the air.

 

The Cabinet member is free to make a decision this week on how the Council will help the Two Tunnels project to go ahead. Councillor Crossley has called on him to consider the following points before making the decision:

 

• The Liberal Democrat Group fully supports the Two Tunnels cycle route project and the Council should do the same.
• The Council is due to support the project with £100,000 a year for the next two years, but for the following two years the funding has not been confirmed – this leads to a lack of certainty for the project team and the funding should be made definite.
• The Liberal Democrats support the proposal that the Council should act as ‘commissioner’ for the project to allow VAT to be reclaimed.
• However the proposal that Sustrans and Two Tunnels should be responsible for “Relevant Council costs associated with the administration of its involvement with the project and documentation costs etc” should be changed.

Councillor Crossley commented:

 

“The Two Tunnels team is a small charity with willing volunteers engaged on one of the most exciting cycle projects in the country. It is great to have on board the UK‘s number one cycle charity as well in the form of Sustrans. However this paragraph, as written, gives no clue as to what the potential liabilities may be to the project. The Two Tunnels team has to embark on a big fundraising scheme to raise another £400K approximately and for them to take on a commitment to reimburse the Council for open-ended costs could put the project in jeopardy.

 

“The Council currently has large reserves and has recently granted £200K to the Holburne. Surely this project – which will help reduce congestion and will contribute to the Council’s own priorities – deserves equivalent support?”

 

Councillor Neil Butters (Bathavon South) added:

 

“The Two Tunnels project will bring communities closer together along a broad corridor.  Cyclists, and also walkers, will get easy access out to local beauty spots such as Midford and Wellow and conversely people from Midford, Wellow, and beyond could cycle safely into Bath to work or for pleasure. It will encourage more people off the road.”

 

Councillor Crossley has urged that the relevant paragraph should be amended to read:

 

“The Council will set up a relevant and proportionate monitoring system to monitor the project and the potential costs of this will be agreed in advance with the Two Tunnels team and that the first £25K each year of Council costs will be borne in-house before any recharging takes place.”

 

 

 

The ruling Conservative administration is getting into a knot over traffic. For years in opposition they opposed all the measures the Liberal Democrats proposed to improve bus flows. The bus gate proved to be one of the best traffic decisions taken. It enabled buses to flow through the city and has given us 7 years of bus passenger growth and a good network in Bath. Going back further they opposed the bus only access across Pultney Bridge and since they took control they have started to use the bus gate as a fine-revenue-collecting system.

Now they are using a threat of Gridlock to bulldoze through an inappropriate solution on the west of Bath to put in a bus rapid transit system and use up a valuable greenway. The Liberal Democrats have proposed a better bus based system round the Lower and Upper Bristol Roads and to bring this greenway back into use as a cycle and pedestrian route.

Residents have started their own website to oppose this plan = see this link.

The Conservatives are resisting all opportunity for public debate and have put out this Council PR council

Stark warning over worsening congestion

 

A new website – www.bathnes.gov.uk/stopgridlock – launched by Bath and North East Somerset Council provides a stark warning about increasing levels of traffic congestion.

 

Residents already face considerable difficulties using the area’s road network – but new figures from the Council reveal that the number of cars travelling through central Bath at rush hour is set to increase by 14% in just ten years. Some 27,000 people travel in and out of Bath by car for work every day. The annual cost of traffic congestion in the area is £50 million. One-fifth of travelling time is currently spent at a standstill in the West of England area, which also includes Bristol, South Gloucestershire, North Somerset.

  

Councillor Malcolm Hanney, Deputy Leader of Bath and North East Somerset Council, said: “Tackling congestion is one of the most difficult challenges facing the area now and in the future. The fact rush hour traffic in Bath will increase so considerably in the next ten years shows how crucial it is that residents and local businesses understand this problem and the need for effective, long-term solutions. This is purpose of the website. Bath and North East Somerset Council has a vision priority of improving transport and the public realm. If the Council is serious about achieving this prioirty then doing nothing is not an option.”

 

The website – www.bathnes.gov.uk/stopgridlock – outlines the scale of the traffic problems faced today and the challenges posed by Government proposals for significant growth. Over the coming weeks it will explore the measures being implemented by the Council to meet these challenges to provide better public transport, better personal transport, and unclog the roads. Residents will be able to subscribe to updates, and give their views about the challenges and measures being implemented by the Council.

 

Traffic problems in the area are widely recognised with a recent website suggesting that Bath is the 5^th most congested Parliamentary Constituency in the country. The independent Audit Commission corporate assessment of Bath and North East Somerset Council published in September stated:

 

“…much more remains to be done to deliver transport improvements. Congestion remains acute in the Bath area as roads are close to capacity. Proposals to build significant numbers of new homes in the area places even greater pressure on the transport infrastructure.”