A dramatic debate ensued over the future of bus travel in Reading, particularly over a controversial scheme that will take a traffic lane away from drivers.
Six new bus lanes are set to be added to the road network in Reading by September 2025.
One of the most controversial of these is the new bus lane scheme in London Road inbound between the Sutton Seeds roundabout and Cemetery Junction.
The scheme was brought up in a discussion over the council's Bus Service Improvement Plan (BSIP) 2024.
Elements of the plan involve winning £4.7 million to add 24 electric buses to the Reading Buses fleet, and improving services to the Royal Berkshire Hospital.
But the debate descended into political point scoring over Green opposition to the new inbound bus lane in London Road.
Councillors Kathryn McCann (Green, Redlands) and Sarah Magon (Green, Park) maintained their opposition to the London Road bus lane, raising fears about long queues as drivers head towards Reading from Woodley and the A3290.
Cllr McCann said: "There are potential air quality implications and lifestyle implications in the east of Reading.
"It potentially could cause a lot of problems, especially the very fact that the report said that the congestion would double that's not likely to improve until 2035-40.
"We're not saying that we don't agree with it, but we are concerned about that."
The approved bus lane along London Road in Reading, that converts a traffic lane into a bus lane. Credit: WSP
This opposition led other councillors to query what alternatives the Greens would support.
Councillor Stephen Goss (Conservatives, Emmer Green) said: "If you're concerned about the impact of congestion and air quality as a result of putting the bus lanes in, how much worse would it be if we don't put the bus lanes in?"
He added that he was disappointed over the cuts to bus services in Emmer Green, with buses no longer running via Kidmore End Road and Courtenay Drive in a change made in September last year.
In reply, John Ennis (Labour, Southcote), lead councillor for climate strategy and transport said: "Cllr Goss I don't think he's a proper Tory, and I think he's a pro-public transport person, I hope he fights and gets his party back into that position and not run away to Reform.
"And I'll also patronise you that you are far more reasonable in your arguments than councillors Dave McElroy (Green, Redlands) and Rob White (Green, Park)."
Cllr McElroy has criticised the Labour administration of 'greenwashing' and 'cowardice' over failing to consider a ultra-low emission zone (ULEZ) for Reading.
Meanwhile, cllr White, the leader of the opposition voted against the creation of the London Road bus lane during a meeting in January.
Clapping back, cllr Ennis argued that Greens did not support the East Reading Mass Rapid Transit (MRT) when it was being considered in 2018 and also opposing the new London Road bus lane despite calling for one when the MRT was rejected.
READ MORE: Controversial London Road bus lane described as 'second best' solution to East Reading traffic woes
He effectively accused Green councillors of a u-turn on the issue.
John Ennis, lead councillor for climate strategy and transport, with Robert Williams, chief executive of Reading Buses, with a zero emission electric bus. (Image: Reading Buses)
Cllr Ennis said: "The Greens and their supporters said 'why don't you put a bus lane in London Road?'
"They were listened to."
Ultimately, the council's strategic environment, planning and transport committee unanimously agreed to approve the BSIP 2024 on June 27.
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