Tory hopeful slams traffic proposals

IPSWICH'S Conservative hopeful has today joined the battle against government proposals to clamp down on drivers disobeying road signs in the town.

Paul West said government proposals to introduce more roadside cameras and give new powers to traffic wardens were not needed in Ipswich.

He said: "It makes you wonder whether these proposals are really traffic management measures at all.

"More likely they are yet another excuse for an over-mighty government to snatch yet more money by fining people going about their daily business.

"These ideas are dreamt up by London civil servants who are out of touch with the real world.

"People in Britain are already in the grip of tight laws and rules. The last thing we need is more legislation that gives increased power to officials"

Mr West felt that many speed cameras had had a positive effect in making roads safer - but suggestions that box junctions could be covered were taking the Big Brother state too far.

"We've all found ourselves trapped in a box junction for a few seconds if another car cuts across us - usually that doesn't cause a major congestion problem.

"What is the purpose of introducing these new fines - is it to make the roads safer or to raise money for the government?" he said.

Ipswich Labour MP Chris Mole did not think the town would be high on any list for introducing such tough new rules.

"This was an enabling bill giving local authorities in areas with a serious congestion problem the chance to take firmer action," he said.

"It's expected to start in London and major cities where there are serious problems - I would be very surprised if there were any moves to bring in these kind of regulations in Ipswich, in the immediate future at any rate.

"It seems as if Mr West is just echoing the comments that are coming down from Conservative Central Office on this," he added.