Hoon banned from tram and parking levy decisions
THE final decision on two new tram lines for Nottingham will be made by a junior transport minister.
Paul Clark will also rule on whether a workplace parking levy will be approved for the city.
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Geoff Hoon
Normally such major decisions would be taken by Transport Secretary Geoff Hoon.
But that was ruled out after Department for Transport officials told the MP for Ashfield his impartiality might be called into question.
Mr Hoon said: "I had already written a letter discussing the issue to a constituent prior to getting the job at the DfT.
"When officials realised that alarm bells started ringing.
"They thought it would be more proper if another member of the ministerial team took control and that I not play any part in it."
A decision on whether NET Phase Two is given the go-ahead is expected soon.
If approved, it would see new lines running to Chilwell and Beeston and Wilford and Clifton.
That will be followed by a decision on whether the city council will introduce the workplace parking levy to help fund the new lines.
It would be the first scheme of its kind in the country, charging 500 companies £185 for each parking space in April 2010, rising to £364 in 2015.
Nottingham South MP Alan Simpson said: "I think it's right Geoff isn't going to take this decision.
"You shouldn't have a politician making a choice when they could be accused of having a vested interest.
"What Paul Clark and his officials have to understand though is that this issue has been around for a very long time; it's appeared in Labour manifestos since 2001 and been consulted to death.
"They must approve everything together because if you don't have the WPL you don't have the second tram line; if you don't have the tram line you don't have the dualling of the A453. It's all linked."
Nottingham North MP Graham Allen said the decision should be given to the people of Nottingham in a similar way Manchester had a vote on whether to introduce its congestion charge . The vote in that case was lost.
He said: "I have a problem with the Government keeping this decision away from the people of Nottingham.
"It should really be nothing to do with any Government minister. In Nottingham we have found our own way to fund the tram system and they should have the final say."
26 Comments
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by Sarah, Compton Acres
Friday, March 13 2009, 4:46PM
“Im personally for the Tram but against WPL. The Council should sell their shares in NCT or stop handing millions to Arts Centres that people don't want if they want to build another tram extension. Leave already heavily burden local fims alone”
by Daleabb, Nottingham
Friday, March 13 2009, 4:35PM
“What happens when the W.P.L. comes into force, and they still have not got anough money to build a tram line?
Will that money be refunded. ?
Or will the W.P.L. not come into force untill the tram is up and running?”
by harry, The City
Friday, March 13 2009, 3:58PM
“Barry :
"The constitution was re-written and called a treaty to avoid referendums"
Biffo :
"Anyway, don't let it take away from the fact that a referendum was promised here should there only be a new proposed constitution, which there wasn't. Therefore no referendum. Q.E.D."
Biffo - I think you need to read what Barry wrote again.”
by Internet Warrior, Notts
Friday, March 13 2009, 3:40PM
“Biffo - Businesses will have to pay the WPL. They've been consulted & said NO.
Nottingham North MP Graham Allen said the people of Nottingham should vote on the matter & he's dead right. But that's not Jon collins style is it ?
Where do you think the electricity to run the trams comes from ? Do you think it's fair that someone else should be polluted so that you can sit in your non-polluting tram ?”
by King Biffo, Nottingham
Friday, March 13 2009, 3:15PM
“Quite right Barry, the Irish should be applauded. I do find it disturbing that it appears that they're going to have another referendum foisted upon them.
Will they just keep doing it over and over until they say yes? Hard to say.
Anyway, don't let it take away from the fact that a referendum was promised here should there only be a new proposed constitution, which there wasn't. Therefore no referendum. Q.E.D.”
by King Biffo, Nottingham
Friday, March 13 2009, 3:12PM
“"The Council's consultation actually showed that 83% of businesses were AGAINST the WPL. The Chamber of Commerce consultation obtained a similar result."
Yes that's right. Read what I said:
"The PUBLIC are behind most of these decisions." The PUBLIC. Not the corporate fat cats who don't want their profits damaged, but the people who actually live here who want cleaner air and a nicer environment.”
by Barry, Stanz
Friday, March 13 2009, 3:08PM
“The will be some hefty bonuses paid to directors of construction firms that win this order, lets hope the contract is correctly tendered and honestly won.”
by Barry, Stanz
Friday, March 13 2009, 3:04PM
“The constitution was re-written and called a treaty to avoid referendums. Unfortuntely the EU didn't count on the Irish, who are commited to voting on Treatys as well. rejecting it. As King Biffo is happy to support, investigate and listen and you will discover the truth. For the record I support the tram but I'm against the parking levy which is a stealth tax by any other name.”
by Internet Warrior, Notts
Friday, March 13 2009, 3:03PM
“"I love how you get your internet warriors on here professing how terrible everything is; if you feel that strongly about it, get out there and campaign.
But I don't think any of you will, because you know full well that the public are behind most of these decisions."
The Council's consultation actually showed that 83% of businesses were AGAINST the WPL. The Chamber of Commerce consultation obtained a similar result.
Maybe you need to do some research Biffo.”
by harry, The City
Friday, March 13 2009, 2:40PM
“King Biffo - "It didn't go to a referendum because it wasn't a new constitution."
And I thought it was because of NO votes in France, The Netherlands and Ireland.”