Rowen asks will Blair make it to his own conference?

Date published: 18/09/2006

Rochdale MP, and Liberal Democrat Shadow Transport Minister, Paul Rowen has asked the question – will Tony Blair be able to make it to his own conference?

Speaking at a fringe meeting held by the GMPTA at the Liberal Democrat Conference in Brighton, Mr Rowen openly criticised the 'bus wars' that are going on in Greater Manchester and asked what impact the congestion and gridlock in Manchester will have on the Labour Party Conference. He also called on every council in Greater Manchester to follow Rochdale Council’s lead and make it their policy to support a Greater Manchester-wide scheme similar to London.

He said: "There are many priorities that need dealing with in transport in Greater Manchester. It is quite clear that people need to make a financial commitment to make things like Metrolink and a new bus station in Rochdale a reality. 

"Anyone who has seen rush-hour traffic in Manchester knows that we can’t continue like this. A radical solution would be to introduce congestion charging to our towns and cities. I would like car-owners to pay according to when and where they drive, instead of the indiscriminating fuel duty. We need to encourage people to get out of their cars, especially at busy periods, and start using a green, efficient and affordable public transport network.

"We are obviously delighted and welcome the Government’s belated commitment to funding the Metrolink Rochdale extension. However, the credibility of the scheme is damaged by current plans that would see it stop short of Rochdale and Oldham town centres. 

"The Transport Innovation Fund decision is key, not just to improve transport in Rochdale and Oldham, but also to kick-start the regeneration of areas like Drake Street in Rochdale.

"In my capacity as the Chairman of the All Party Parliamentary Group on Light Rail I have visited tram schemes in Nottingham, Croydon and elsewhere. It is quite obvious that trams increase house prices and the quality of living wherever they are introduced.

"Labour has been promising the tram extensions for years. Holding them to their promises for Rochdale is my number one priority."

Mr Rowen also attacked the failure to address Victoria Station’s problems. Its roof has been leaking for years, causing disruption to train and Metrolink platforms. He said: "The situation at Victoria Station is completely unacceptable. The failure of Manchester City Council and train operators to tackle it is a disgrace. Victoria Station would shame a Third World country, and is an embarrassment as visitors travel through this station."