Conservatives at Essex County Council are still planning to go ahead with a temporary park-and-ride scheme in North Colchester, although it is likely that congestion will be increased around Severalls Business Park and the surrounding area as a result.

Liberal Democrats questioned the cabinet member at a special scrutiny meeting, but were left unsatisfied that the plan can work.

Cllr Anne Turrell, Lib Dem County Councillor for Mile End & Highwoods, said: “"It'’s a waste of public money that is likely to make the situation worse than it is now. It'’s more likely to be park and jam. The county council has already spent over £100,000 on the abandoned park-and-ride site proposed for Eight Ash Green and I fear that money spent on this temporary site will fall into the same throw-away bin.

"The £600,000 planned for this temporary park and ride site, could be better invested in permanent public transport solutions that will give immediate relief to local residents and visitors."”

Conservatives at Essex County Council insist it is good practice to allow potholes to get more than double their present depth before they will be fixed. The Tories rejected a claim by the Liberal Democrat group on the council, that roads are likely to deteriorate under the new strategy. The Lib Dems pushed for a formal meeting to discuss the issue, but the group was eventually voted down by the Conservative members.

Speaking after the meeting, Cllr Tom Smith-Hughes, Liberal Democrats group leader said: “We are disappointed that the Conservatives have decided to go ahead with this new strategy, which we think will lead to a deterioration in road surfaces rather than an improvement. We have particular concerns that this strategy is aimed at motorists and leaves other road users such as motorcyclists, cyclists and all pavement users vulnerable to accidents.

The Conservative cabinet at Essex County Council has today (19 February) approved a new highways maintenance policy that will see potholes twice as deep and preventative work including drainage, neglected. And if you get an injury by tripping on a footpath or road, you are less likely to be awarded compensation from the council.

Speaking about the new policy, Cllr Tom Smith-Hughes, Liberal Democrats group leader said: “The cabinet member responsible for highways has admitted that everyone knows of a road in a bad state of repair, but he is still insisting that his policy of allowing potholes to get enormous before being fixed, is the right thing.

“The council neglects preventative work, including drainage, at its peril and future cost. If drains are not kept clear, it can only mean that greater amounts of water will build up on our road surfaces causing dangerous driving and cycling conditions. Poor drainage is also the arch enemy of pavement integrity.

“The policy document admits that the highways maintenance budget was actually cut in the current year. This policy appears to be aimed more at saving money on repairs, and cutting the amount of compensation claims the council has to pay out, than in the safety of motorists, cyclists, motorcyclists and pedestrians.”