A leading Preston Conservative has called for the man behind the city’s Fishergate fiasco to be called infront of councillors to explain himself.
AdvertisementDeputy leader of the city’s Tory group councillor Damien Moore said Lancashire County Council was failing the city centre with the Fishergate bus lane.
Earlier this week county councillor John Fillis, who is responsible for highways, said the bus lane and fines would be staying in operation until April – instead of being phased out after Christmas as he had originally said.
Cllr Moore, who represents Greyfriars ward, said: “The chaos caused by the bus lane in Fishergate is incredibly damaging to the city.
“It’s a clear indication the administration in County Hall has simply failed to think the scheme through.
“If Preston gets it right then a good experience during the festive period can attract future visits, securing businesses in the long-term.
“Figures released show that more than 23,000 people were given fines totalling more than £1.3million.
“Whatever the short-term windfall has been in the long-term the city will suffer.
Read more: How Prestonians responded to the news the bus lane was staying
“People want stress free shopping, not to worry about a fine.
“Cllr Fillis stated people ‘shouldn’t whinge and whine but pay the fine’ but this does nothing for the reputation of Preston, especially to those from out of town.
“Preston would be worse off if there were to be a fall in business rates, due to shops and restaurants closing or relocating out of the city.
“I ask Cllr Fillis to attend the next city council scrutiny committee to listen to our concerns.
“This scheme has been a PR disaster for the city and we will be doing everything we can to rectify it.”
Read more: College student has Fishergate fines waived
The county council says the new traffic system, including changed priorities in Mount Street, will stay in place until April and will be reviewed at this point.
A no right hand turn bus lane out of Butler Street into Corporation Street is now permanent and is being enforced with a camera and fines.
What do you think of Cllr Moore’s comments? What do you think about Fishergate? Let us know in the comments below