Both the controversial North Hill and St Botolph's Street bus lanes are to be scrapped under plans by the council's new transport chief.

Less than a month after taking office, Richard Gower, Colchester Council's new portfolio holder for transport, has taken the decision to scrap both bus lanes, a move supported by his Essex County Council colleague Rodney Bass.

But motorists and bus users are unlikely to see any difference on the ground for up to six months as the decision has to go through a process of consultation, where the public can object to the move.

Conservative Mr Gower said: "I just came to the portfolio position and I said I want those bus lanes out.

"I have discussed the matter with the portfolio holder in Chelmsford, Rodney Bass, and we are both of the opinion that not only the St Botolph's Street but North Hill bus lanes need to go.

"The sooner they go, as far as I am concerned, the better. It's my intention to see them go as soon as possible."

Mr Gower's predecessor, Conservative Christopher Arnold, had already set in motion plans to remove the North Hill lane in January 2002, but the process had stalled.

But environmentalists, taxi and bus drivers have been fighting to keep the bus lane on North Hill.

Friends of the Earth staged demonstrations, including putting a giant tape measure across the hill and organising a 500-name petition

Published Friday, June 13, 2003

Brought to you by the Evening Gazette