DOT bans MP's speech
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by Michael Jewell • Labour MP Gwyneth Dunwoody, who is fighting the Government's decision to close the North Western Traffic Area Office, was banned from speaking to staff in the building on Friday. She had to address the staff in the car park instead.
Dunwoody, with Stretford MP Tony Lloyd, was initially allowed in the office to speak to union representatives. But even then the Department of Transport insisted on a civil service 'minder', who turned out to be Sophia Lambert, one of the department's most senior civil servants. Last week's visit was cancelled because a minder was not available (CM June 20-26).
The planned closure of the Manchester office is part of the Government's plan to reduce the number of regional Traffic Areas from eight to six. Dunwoody told the TAO staff that she believed more Traffic Commissioners were needed, not less. She added that the Transport Select Committee, of which she is a member, is likely to recommend increased enforcement with the TAOs being given greater powers—but stressed that this move would be no use without sufficient staff.
Earlier, she told union representatives there was no financial justification for the closures, as Traffic Area Offices were self-funding out of the licence fees paid by operators.
Union officers are worried about the loss of expertise which would result from the closure.
They fear that, despite plans to increase staff numbers by 15, the Leeds TAO would be unable to cope with the increased workload caused by the closure of the Manchester office.