The national ‘In Town, Without My Car’ day passed this week (22 September) without being even acknowledged by the ruling Conservative party at Essex County Council, denying local communities any chance to participate. This annual campaign is run to remind all highway users, that our streets are shared by road and pavement users and that there are other people using the same space.

Commenting on the campaign, Cllr Keith Francis, Liberal Democrats transport spokesman said: “This annual campaign is designed to make all of us think about whether we have the balance right between competing highways users. Should our high streets and residential suburbs be designed purely to get motor traffic through as a priority or should there be more emphasis on creating greater opportunity to use sustainable alternatives in a more peaceful and safe environment? How easy is it for more of us to travel to town by another means?

“In terms of transport it has long been clear that the county’s Conservative group regards motor traffic as their paramount focus which has meant a lack of investment in promoting walking and cycling or taking the bus. Not everyone has the use of a motor vehicle, although almost all of us are pedestrians requiring well maintained and safe footways and crossing facilities. Liberal Democrats continue to campaign for more to be spent on pavement maintenance, more cycleways and wider bus services, but this has been repeatedly rejected by the Conservatives in favour of speeding up car journeys. Surely it is time for a more even set of priorities.”