KING CAR

I want to add what Chris wrote here,

"... the launch of the consultation the whole document was attacked by some in the room as anti-car or not mentioning the car ……this was rebutted by Ian Ward of BCC indicating that the car is mentioned loads of times in the document and he also went onto say that some 255 of households across the WM do not have access to a car."

I was also at that full CA Board meeting.  I thought it was only Cllr Mike Bird, Leader of Walsall Council who, for a second time at recent CA meetings I've attended, sounded off about the pre-eminence of King Car and its downplay by the officers of TfWM.  I spoke to one of the officers after that earlier meeting who completely shared our conviction that the vast majority of car drivers are well catered for already and it must be the minority of the population who depend on public transport that must be properly provided for.  I came away from that conversation with the officer that Mike Bird is out on a limb over his passion for all things cars and that his vocal opinion will not be followed by TfWM.  In fact, it is the Celebrity Car and the Cinderella, downtrodden bus that is the reality everywhere in our region, anyway.  Mike has his way.  It is the status quo.

From my dealings with TfWM, they are working with single minded determination to boost tram, bus and train use and fully support the CAZ.  I'm wanting to support them over their efforts to cut car commuting and reward bus users financially (£2 bus fare that we want as fare free for all).  However, I remain strongly against tram and Sprint extensions on grounds of cost, social justice and, that that effort - all of it - must go into insulating and solar powering every building.

Thirdly, after attending so many council and CA meetings, I have come to the conclusion that they are pure talking shops.  Never a debate, never a vote, but always a nice natter that we all enjoy down the pub or coffee shop.  The councillors like Mike Bird can huff and puff all they like about motorists who must always be put first and have an easier life to drive all they wish and wherever they like.  Exactly what happens now.  The reality is that the officers rule the roost and the members, like Mike, must rubber stamp the officers every decision - the exact opposite of how democracy is supposed to work!

And, anyway, isn't TfWM meant to concern itself only with public transport?

Tim Weller