Finish talking, let's have action
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The 4000 new councillors in the 54 local authorities in England and Wales have talked themselves into the council chambers; many of them by telling their constituents how they will improve transport and traffic conditions locally. The new authorities have 52 weeks to get organized and this should be ample time to lay sensible and workmanlike plans. Under the local Government Act 1972, Section 203, the authorities are charged with the duty of introducing an integrated passenger transport system. The PTAs and GLC apart there are few who have made any move in this direction to date. Understandably they were waiting for last week's result at the polls. With this behind them they can now get on with the job.
The first priority should be to appoint a transport co-ordinating officer as they have already done in Devon (CM April 6). He should be a man with wide transport operating experience and one who is capable of bringing together all the sectors of passenger transport, and once appointed this professional man should be allowed to get on with his job without political hindrance. The great danger is that .the part-time politicians will emulate their Westminster masters and turn local transport into a political football. This must not be allowed to happen.
Sir Reginald Goodwin, the labour leader at the GLC, has stated categorically that the RingwaY plans will be scrapped and that mini transfer terminals for goods vehicles will be established around the perimeter of London. During six years in opposition Sir Reginald has had plenty of time to study the problem and make his plans. The time has come to implement the plans. We've had all the talking, now let us have some action.