(17 May 2026, 8:27 am)Busadvocate wrote In what way will "fixing the roads" be any different from the work that is already underway (having been denied funding for many years under the previous governments)?
I do wonder if there is some risk that Reform will wish to reopen the A167/Askew Rd junction, which would definitely be a bad thing for buses...
'Fixing the Roads' isn't any different to the work that is already underway - which is why it's unambitious. However, if incremental improvements are made (eg. fixing potholes etc.), then they can claim to be delivering on their promises. At a national level, aside from 'stop the boats', another vague policy concerns the 'war on motorists'. Whilst reopening the A167/Askew Road junction would be a bad thing for buses, motorists in the area might consider that a good thing - another win in the Reform column.
Overpromising and underdelivering, despite external factors including the lack of funding from this and previous governments. is a reason why people look for change when things fail to materialise. In Gateshead's case, how many times have plans for Metro Green or the Regeneration of the High Street been wheeled out and floated to the Chronicle, usually at the time of when local elections are due to take place, then are conveniently shelved until the next time when a little bit of political capital is needed?