(17 May 2026, 11:43 am)MurdnunoC wrote '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?
And it fits into their narrative of a culture war against active travel/environmental awareness. As you say, opening the Askew Road junction would be considered a good thing to most motorists, whereas politicians should be looking at the bigger picture.
In the long run, it'll shoot them in the foot, as most transport related funding will be conditional for implementing schemes like this. Just as the original CRSTS scheme by the Tory Government was.