Traffic schemes designed simply to raise revenue

DENIS Kilcommons’ Boxing Day page contained an article regarding our bus gate issue.

A writer (Doug Fryer) informed Denis that in Oslo they do not have any signs informing motorists that they are entering a restricted zone. Instead, they have physical barriers which will not allow motorists to enter a zone.

Schemes such as Oslo’s will not take off in Huddersfield as our Labour led council will not make money from people’s mistakes very much like the Market Hall multi-story car park where payment was altered from “pay on exit” to “pay and display.”

Pay on exit will not allow the council to swell its coffers as noone gets fined for overstaying their ticket simply because you cannot get out until you pay.

Both schemes were designed to enhance the motorists’/ pedestrians’ shopping experience, according to our council.

Trouble is many motorists get that experience just the once and never return. In truth, both schemes were designed to raise extra revenue. MY wife and I drive into town a couple of times a week and never have any difficulty accessing car parks or on street parking in Huddersfield.

I couldn’t understand how some people have experienced the difficulties with the bus gates so I walked round town to investigate.

The ‘bus gates’ have clear, advance warning signs and large signs at the no entry areas so no excuses for missing these.

Only two sections of roads are unavailable to private cars and vans. The first is Ramsden Street from its junction with Corporation Street to the High Street junction with Albion Street, a distance of 75 metres.

Secondly, Kirkgate from its junction with Cross Church Street to the Market Place, only 50 metres.

I think that some of the excuses given for receiving the fines just don’t stand up.