(04 Jan 2019, 8:42 pm)Tamesider wrote Yes. But for "dangerous fool" could you not just as easily say, populist politician. I don't know anything about the politics of Stoke or North Staffordshire, but I doubt its any different to anywhere else outside of south east England (or Lothian). Local politicians are under the control of the voters, powerful lobbyists (including the media) and Central Government. Thus, they are only trying to satisfy those groups. There is a trend towards cheaper and free parking in most towns that don't already have it, and every day you get Media stories of either how downtrodden motorists and Rail users are or how new policies are going to protect said groups. Two today:
1. An all party group of MPs wants Petrol/Diesel prices regulated so that wholesale price reductions are passed on to motorists. These MPs will doubtless complain about urban pollution and congestion when it suits them, but can't see the link. Nor are the slight bit interested in regulating bus fares in the same way.
2. Due to ongoing Strikes and "investment delays" Northern Rail are being handed an £11 million subsidy without a by your leave. Yet Hammond scrapped KickStart to save barely half that (a year) in 2010 and everyone from Jeremy Clarkson to Julian Peddle would be up in arms if £11 million of public money was spent to benefit bus passengers in conurbations where not only elected Mayors have called for franchising but (in Greater Manchester) SIX out of seven of those who stood against Andy Burnham also had greater Bus Regulation in their manifesto.

Similary, the location and environs of the new Hanley Bus Station are little different to elsewhere. Because Rail is historically far more remote than bus from people's O&D, the answer has long been to push buses and bus stations away from city and town centres. I was there in September and it shares the same problems as most other Bus Stations, being infested with drunks, beggars and criminal cyclists. And yes, I am talking the middle of a working day. Again, I can't speak for the area in general, but in GM since the introduction of the Health Act 2006, I have felt FAR safer on a bus than I do waiting for or alighting from a bus, whether in a bus station or at a bus stop. I should point out though, I rarely travel after 1800hrs nowadays, so that might skew my perceptions slightly.