Electrification gets the go ahead

According to the BBC - and who are we to doubt them? - the Government is going to announce the electrification of the Great Western line later today. Those who hang on to my every word in Parliament and on this blog - and if not, why not? - will know I've been calling for this for some time. Last time I asked Geoff Hoon about this in the Chamber, I thought he'd been distinctly encouraging, but it's good to have confirmation. The only downside is that it will take eight years in total, but still at least it's been given the green light. Or should that be the green signal?

Today's announcement will tie in nicely with the Cabinet taking the FGW service to Cardiff for one of its regular away-days today. I just hope it gets them there on time! I have to say, I think the service has been better this year, although there was certainly plenty of room for improvement.

For locals only

Lib Dems in Bristol are proposing to close the A4 Portway to motorists throughout the summer. (See my website, http://www.kerrymccarthymp.org.uk/, for my current poll on this issue). I'm not sure this is sensible. I'd rather see some of the small roads, particularly the cobbled streets, in the city centre closed off, making a pedestrian only space, for example around St Nicholas market, or in Broadmead, or in Clifton village. What do people think?

Also, while we're on local issues, what do people think about the proposal to increase fares from the Park and Ride on the A4 (other side of the city) into the centre? Keeping fares low means that Bristol council tax payers end up subsidising the service, but higher fares is inevitably going to mean an increase in the number of cars in Bristol city centre, and then we'll all pay the price of increased congestion and virtual gridlock at peak times.

Final point on transport issues. I'm hoping for a decision on electrification of the Great Western line before summer recess. Will be chasing after Chris Mole, the new Rail Minister, when I see him in the division lobby (but not in a John Gummer/ Douglas Hogg way).*

*Slightly obscure reference to their mole-killing proclivities.

Love train*

Andrew Adonis is taking a very long train journey. Doesn't include Bristol but I'm expecting him soon (i.e. the visit that got snowed off last time). So if you spot a lonely figure sitting on the platform, waiting for his connection, go up and say hello.

* Sorry, but Adonis/ train journey - what else was I to do?