News Date: Thursday 30th October 2008
Tim speaks up in Parliament for struggling Sussex pensioners and families
Speaking in the House of Commons on Thursday 30 October, Tim pressed the Government on the rising costs faced by many motorists in the constituency. Commenting on the Government's response Tim said:
'It is deeply frustrating that the Government are not taking seriously the concerns of pensioners and families who depend on their cars.
'In West Sussex, during half-term week, the traffic levels on the A27 typically fall by about 20 per cent., due to the absence of the school run. This is related to the impracticalities of public transport, and is happening despite the fact that we are encouraging car sharing, which typically requires larger cars. Worthing also has a disproportionate number of elderly and disabled constituents who require larger cars for their mobility equipment.
'The Government clearly hasn't realised that these constituents don't have the option of changing their driving behaviour, and are now faced with the treble whammy of swingeing increases in vehicle excise duty, plummeting second-hand car sale values, and no money being available to buy new, environmentally friendly cars.
'We need a more balanced and considerate policy that takes account of local considerations, not one imposed from on high by a know-it-all Government.'
The full debate can be read here.
