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10/09/08 : Alok Sharma “is lying about Labour’s transport plans”
A question in a “Cost of Living Survey” being circulated by Alok Sharma, prospective Conservative candidate for Reading West, has provoked an angry response from Cllr. Tony Page, Lead Councillor for Strategic Planning & Transport. He says the Tory is lying about Labour’s response to the Transport Commission’s recommendations that Reading and its neighbours look at congestion charging as part of a package of measures to reduce congestion in the town.
Cllr Page explains “ Question 4 in Mr Sharma’s so-called Cost of Living Survey asks people in Reading West Do you support Labour’s plans for a congestion charge for Reading, which will lead to increased costs for local drivers?
“On the very day in July on which Sir Brian Briscoe published his report, I reiterated Labour’s long-standing policy that if road pricing was introduced there would not be any charge for Reading residents, including Greater Reading residents, going about their daily business. I have repeated that position in discussions with other parties on the Council, who I think understand and share it, with neighbouring authorities, and in letters to both local papers. It is clear, unequivocal and not up for negotiation.
“And that means that if congestion charging comes in there will be no increased costs for local drivers.
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In lying about this, Alok Sharma could scupper the discussions with neighbouring Councils that Sir Brian and his colleagues felt, rightly, were essential if Reading is to get the huge investment it needs. I believe Reading, working in collaboration with its neighbours in Oxfordshire, West Berkshire and Wokingham, can obtain support from Government to build the third Thames Bridge, to improve our bus services and cycleways, and to take the other measures we need to reduce congestion in Reading and particularly in the town centre.
“Mr Sharma is putting all that in jeopardy, and I would call on him now to apologise, withdraw his questionnaire and butt out of a discussion he clearly hasn’t troubled to understand.”
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