The York Council’s Leaders claims, that Nick Clegg favoured a citywide 20 mph speed limit in York, have proved to be untrue.
In a letter to The Press, the LibDem’s Chief Executive confirms that the party’s policy is that decisions on appropriate speed limits should be taken locally, and reflect the different conditions that exist on roads in different parts of the country.
In York, Liberal Democrats are resisting the Labour plan to introduce a 20 mph speed limit across the whole of the City believing that available resources should be concentrated on reducing the number of Killed and Seriously Injured on roads in the City.
Individual roads ahould have the most appropriate speed limit bearing in mind their individual characteristics and accident potential.
The letter reads,
“It is disappointing to see Labour’s Coun James Alexander twisting the words of Nick Clegg in a private letter (“Nick Clegg backs York 20mph speed limit plan”, The Press, September 4).
Coun Alexander claims the letter shows Mr Clegg’s backing for the council’s plans to introduce 20mph speed limits across the city by 2014. It does not.
It was sent in response to Coun Alexander’s letter to Mr Clegg supporting a policy motion to be debated at Liberal Democrat autumn conference this month.
Coun Alexander offered support for the Lib Dem motion and Mr Clegg’s office responded thanking him for his support. The letter was not an endorsement of the council’s scheme nor should it be interpreted as such.
As with all policy motions, the proposal will be debated fully by Liberal Democrat members and may be passed, defeated or amended. Unlike the other parties, the Lib Dems are genuinely democratic and our grassroots supporters decide our party policy.
Residential speed limits are set locally and York Liberal Democrats are entirely right to campaign for what they believe is right for the city.
Tim Gordon, chief executive of the Liberal Democrats, Westminster, London”.