Lib Dem Councillors demand explanation on traffic management.

1.20.00pm GMT Sun 25th Jan 2009

Councillors Nigel Bennett and Martyn Booth are demanding that Conservative run Suffolk County Council explain what interim traffic management has been implemented in Sudbury over the last 4 years and what is planned for the future.

This week, Sudbury learnt that its bypass/relief road had been placed 96 out of 98 for funding for transport schemes in the East of England upto 2019.

"A western relief road is vital to reduce congestion, reduce damage to our historical buildings and improve residents quality of life. Yet, the Conservatives have implemented none of the promised interim management measures to prove the case for a new relief road." said Cllr Nigel Bennett.

The County Council, is promising funding to an improved bus station, work to Belle Vue junction and Cross St over the next year. at the same time, Suffolk has announced the bulk of its transport spending will be in Ipswich over the next 3 years.

He added,"We have been waiting 6 years for improvements to Belle Vue junction and now we learn it is a scaled down scheme not changing traffic flow. Cross St remains a temporary scheme after 3 years. Meanwhile, the location of the improved bus station could help or damage the regeneration of that part of the Town Centre. Unfortunately, there is no mention of extra bus services that will reduce car traffic."

"Sudbury is going to see alot more houses upto 2019 and without a bypass, an existing traffic problem is only going to get worse. We need to know what are their plans to help the town. Instead all we got at the meeting was "we are not here to discuss traffic management." There is an urgent need for Suffolk to engage with residents in Sudbury." said Martyn Booth.