New Hope on Open Top Tour Buses

12.18.40pm UTC (GMT +0000) Mon 25th Oct 2004

After years of campaigning, Bath's MP, Don Foster, has warmly welcomed the long awaited announcement of the launch date for new powers to deal with the problems associated with Open Top Tour Buses.

As of the 19th November 2004, the Council will be able to ask the Traffic Commissioner to attach new "Traffic Regulation Conditions" to tour bus operators' licences to address excessive noise and air pollution.

These new powers come about, in part, as a result of work done by Don during the committee stage of the Transport Act 2000.

Commenting, Bath's MP, Don Foster said,

"I'm delighted at this news. We've been working towards this for years.

"I have today formally written to the Council Leader, Cllr Paul Crossley, and Executive Member for Transport, Cllr. Sir Elgar Jenkins to call on them to ensure these new powers are used as soon as possible.

"I know they're keen to see this happen, and this will be welcome news to the hundreds of residents across Bath who've contacted me with their concerns."