Conservative councillors have reacted with surprise to the news that a Labour transport minister wants to talk to Gloucestershire people about county transport - but can't be bothered to use it himself to come here. Instead Local Transport Minister Tony McNulty will speak to selected residents via video conferencing, avoiding the need to experience for himself either Gloucestershire's pot-holes and congestion or to find out about the effect of his Government's cuts to Gloucester train services.

Conservative Transport spokesperson, Cllr Charles Gillams, commented:

"This is a dreadful example of Labour spin.  One junior minister speaks to a few hand picked residents whilst sitting in London and they try and persuade people they are serious about dealing with the very real problems of transport in Gloucestershire.  It is a total waste of everyone's time - why can't he come and see what's going on for himself?  The tiny amount of pollution saved is entirely insignificant in comparison to the vast amount caused by traffic congestion and by cars being used instead of trains after cuts to Gloucester train services." 

15th June 2004