Solving County traffic Chaos is right up Baker's Street

10.35.04am GMT Wed 25th Feb 2009

Shadow Transport Secretary, Norman Baker MP visited Hereford and saw first-hand the chaos on our roads.

Hereford and South Herefordshire Liberal Democrat Parliamentary Candidate Sarah Carr welcomed award-winning MP Norman Baker to Herefordshire on Thursday 12th February. Norman Baker, the Liberal Democrat Transport Spokesman witnessed first-hand the traffic chaos in Hereford city at rush hour. He joined Aylestone Lib Dem campaigner Alan Williams to see how bad traffic flow has become in the area. Norman then met with Herefordshire organisation 'Wheels to Work' and addressed Lib Dem party supporters at a reception at the Merton Hotel, Hereford.

Sarah Carr said, "I invited Norman Baker to Herefordshire as I wanted to show him the traffic chaos we experience in Hereford. I also wanted to ensure he understands the challenges we all face in getting around in our county. With patchy public transport and the cost of motoring through the roof, we need to find ways to keep the County moving.

"I admire Norman Baker MP a great deal as he is one of the most determined parliamentary interrogators the modern House of Commons has known. Norman is a real thorn in the government's side and is unafraid to expose scandal. He largely contributed to Peter Mandelson's second resignation over his relations with the Hinduja brothers. It is no surprise that he won the Channel 4 award 'Opposition MP of the Year'".

Norman Baker arrived by train into Hereford and was quick to condemn the rolling-stock from Newport to Hereford comparing it to two 'over-packed sardine tins painted the colour of rat poison'. He immediately said he would raise the poor service with transport officials in his capacity as Transport Spokesman for the Liberal Democrats.

In viewing the traffic jams down Aylestone Hill, alongside local campaigners Alan Williams and Sarah Carr, Mr Baker was appalled by the congestion and traffic fumes caused by the gridlock.

Sarah Carr and Norman Baker then joined North Herefordshire Liberal Democrat Parliamentary Candidate Lucy Hurds to meet with local organisation 'Wheels to Work'. 'Wheels to Work' provides mopeds, bicycles and driving lessons for people who need help to get to work or training and currently do not have access to public or private transport. At the meeting Mr Baker agreed to work with Sarah Carr and Lucy Hurds in getting a written promise from Advantage West Midlands for continued funding for this vital organisation.