Council backs Congestion Charge strategy

3.43.00pm UTC (GMT +0000) Wed 28th Nov 2007

Judith Lubbock

Norwich City Council last night voted to back the Liberal Democrat strategy on congestion charging. The Council agreed to adopt the amended Lib Dem motion which calls for 8 key tests to be passed before any decision on congestion charging is made.

These key tests will form the framework for a decision on congestion charging. The Lib Dems feel that with a feasibility study into congestion charging currently being carried out by Norfolk County Council, it is important for Norwich to set clear guidelines on the issue. The motion does not express a preference for or against a charge but instead sets out a clear strategy for making an informed, considered and evidence based decision. Both Labour and Conservative groups voted against the policy and the motion was carried with the unanimous support of Lib Dem and Green Councillors.

By passing the motion the Lib Dems hope to ensure that the City Council has more say over any plans to introduce congestion charge in the city. Eaton Ward Councillor Judith Lubbock, who proposed the motion, said:

"In all of this work for the last two years, where have we been as elected representatives? City councillors have been completely sidelined. County councillors from Loddon and Harleston have been deciding what is best for Norwich.

"This situation epitomises the need for a unitary council. It's therefore essential that we address this democratic deficiency and demand that the county council share the information and let us have our say.

"The motion attempts to lay down a strategy and set out 8 key issues which could be used for discussion with the county council."

The amended motion is as follows:

'This Council requests that before any decision on a congestion charge for Norwich is made; the following matters are addressed satisfactorily:

(1) That a full public consultation has taken place

(2) That Norwich jobs are not put at risk or the city's economy put at a competitive disadvantage to the rest of the region.

(3) That improvement to public transport is in place as a viable alternative to private cars before any congestion charge is established.

(4) That a congestion charge be proved to be effective at reducing congestion where there is currently a problem.

(5) That any money raised be spent on improving the sustainable transport environment of Norwich

(6) That those living within the congestion charge zone are exempt from payment.

(7) That, regardless of the outcome of the unitary debate Park & Ride and its subsidy will be an integral part of the congestion charge policy.

(8) The Green party amended the motion to include a guarantee that the Lib Dem policy on 20mph in residential areas will form part of any congestion charge.'

Also at the Council meeting, the Lib Dem policy on a "Year of Exercise and Sport" was referred to the Council Scrutiny committee for further consideration and the Lib Dems also posed questions on the collection of charity shop waste, the redevelopment of Norwich City Hall and the continued problems and escalating cost of the Unthank Road Safety scheme. The Green and Conservative opposition groups failed to put forward any motions at this Council meeting.