Government traffic 'tsars' plan is full of holes

12.00.00am GMT Wed 27th Nov 2002

London Assembly Lib Dems today called on Transport Secretary Alistair Darling to scrap his idea of appointing a 'traffic tsar' for London and instead give the powers to Transport for London.

Lynne Featherstone AM, transport spokesperson, said:

"Why is the Government wasting public money on appointing traffic managers? This idea merely creates yet another unnecessary layer of bureaucracy. "Congestion caused by holes in the road could be eased by simply giving the power to adjudicate on roadworks and scrutinise applications from utility companies to London's existing transport authority, Transport for London.

"So-called 'traffic tsars' are yet another example of central government interference into an issue which could be tackled by London's regional government, if it was only given the power to do so."