Lib Dems Tackle Future of Transport

7.27.14pm GMT Sun 11th Feb 2007

Milton Keynes Council's Liberal Democrat administration has today released details of its proposals to set up an independent Transport Commission to recommend the way forward for the long-term transport challenges our growing city faces.

It is predicted that journey times to work will take much longer in the next few years as traffic builds up due to growth. Journeys at peak times are forecast to rise by a massive 60% over the next 25 years. Although the Council and Milton Keynes Partnership are already investing in boosting the capacity of many roundabouts over the next few years the Lib Dems believe more action must be taken.

Councillor Chris Williams, Liberal Democrat transport boss, said: "Doing nothing is clearly not an option. At peak traffic times, our roads will simply become grid-locked in just a few years. We have to find a solution that is acceptable to current and future residents, and to people who travel here for work or for leisure. That is why we are proposing a Transport Commission to help us find long-term solutions that everyone understands and can agree to."

Chris Williams will formally launch the proposal at the Council meeting next week, which is being dedicated to a debate on Milton Keynes growth. He commented; "We think it is really important to get a respected independent person to chair our proposed Commission. We need a fresh pair of eyes to look at the challenges we face and to come up with carefully researched solutions that the Milton Keynes community accepts".

Council Leader, Isobel McCall added: "We have informally sounded out a number of the Council's partners and they support the idea. They are all concerned about how we keep Milton Keynes moving freely for the next 25 years as traffic builds up and they want to work with us to find viable solutions."

The Commission would look at the links between road use, public transport, city centre parking and all traffic-related issues. They would take evidence from local organisations, the business community, campaign groups and Milton Keynes residents.