As LibDem Transport spokesman and local MP, Norman Baker, proposes an expansion in rail spending that appears to be contradictory to Vince Cable’s planned budget cuts, Tory candidate Jason Sugarman has been openly critical of what he says is an ill-advised announcement.
Jason stated, “Having looked carefully through the proposal, the Lib Dem’s sums just don’t make any sense. How can anyone have identified the precise sum of £3bn as being 90% of the 2013/14 budget? Labour hasn’t actually announced how much they would make available to the Department for Transport for that period.” Even the Transport Select Committee acknowledges the importance of the major roads network, having recently published a report* which concluded that the major roads infrastructure is critical to the generation of economic growth. Their report went on to say that maintaining investment in our major road network must not be put on stand-by because only a relatively small proportion of journeys could be transferred to rail. Jason concluded, “By announcing that funds would be diverted into rail improvements the LibDems will penalise every motorist in the country. The Liberal Democrats’ rail pledge lacks any credibility. The huge expansion in rail spending that Norman Baker has announced today is entirely at odds with Vince Cable’s plans to cut the deficit. Their sums just don’t add up.”
Jason was also dismayed that, when questioned on the effects that such cuts, should they take place, would have on businesses that depend upon road transport or the wider economy, Norman Baker had no answer. This presumably means that Mr. Baker’s opposition to upgrading the A27 to dual carriageway through the constituency to reduce accidents and improve safety continues unabated.
Photograph-Jason Sugarman at Lewes Station with Theresa Villiers Shadow Secretary of State for Transport
*Source – Transport Select Committee, The Major Road Network, 30 March 2010, p34.
