news story

16th May 2008

Minister's Visit to Bristol 'Adds Insult to Injury'

Northavon MP Steve Webb has reacted angrily to the news that a Transport minister is to visit Bristol next Tuesday (20th May) to speak at a "Carfree UK conference" on "the potential for transport innovation" at a time when South Gloucestershire residents are facing cutbacks in their bus services.

Minister of State Rosie Winterton is visiting Bristol on Tuesday 20th May and will take a short journey on a First Group provided bus from Bristol Temple Meads before having her photograph taken at College Green and then speaking at a conference at the Marriot Royal Hotel.

At the same time, First Group are consulting on scrapping 'express' commuter bus services from parts of South Gloucestershire because they are not profitable enough.

Commenting, Steve Webb MP said:

"Local people will be amazed at the timing of a minister coming to talk to a "car free" conference in a month when the local bus company are planning to slash services. It is adding insult to injury to urge us all to use more public transport when the Government's failed policies on public transport are leading to cuts.

"Many people would like not to have to drive into Bristol but have no choice because of the inadequate bus and train services, and now these are to be made even worse. The Government's local transport bill does not give councils enough power over companies like First who are only interested in how much profit they can make. Public transport is a public service, but if it is run purely for private profit we will never get the quality of service that local people have a right to expect.

"I only hope the minister's bus turns up on time".