6 parish councils in South Oxfordshire (Kidmore End, Eye & Dunsden, Binfield Heath, Stoke Row, Sonning Common, and Highmoor Parish) have devised a joint petition calling for the proposed new 3rd bridge over the River Thames at Reading to be removed from Reading Borough Council’s new 2040 transport strategy. Reading Council have refused.
Talk and plans for a third bridge between Reading and South Oxfordshire over the Thames in central Berkshire have gone on since I started my professional career in Reading in 1976. Since then Reading and central Berkshire has led the way for economic growth. Recently the Elisabeth Line to Reading opened; recognition of reality.
What better example of opposition to important change is there but this example of grass roots spatial selfishness. For decades I drove into central Reading along congested roads alongside a half built flyover in Earley. It is still there! Half built!
Perhaps it is time for Reading to put tolls on all Oxfordshire registered cars entering Reading across the existing two bridges? South Oxfordshire has successfully exploited the prosperity jobs, shops and travel facilities provided by Reading Council, and its growth policies, whilst not only refusing to share the burden growth imposes, but making travel delays worse for others. I hope the Prime Minister tackles these opportunists head on, as he says he intends, but remain unconvinced he has yet worked out a sure fire way to do it.
Road tolls may bè fair, and certainly poetic justice but politically they are dead in the water. What about rates surcharges for these residents, many of whom also want to avoid South Oxfordshire’s share of new housing? The reality is simple. Until people in these parish councils can see, recognise and welcome local change which is for the better, or pay rates surcharges to export the pressures for change elsewhere, economic growth is destined to splutter, and our children and grandchildren’s future will be held back. Why are rural residents in the south east of England so petty, and blind? Minorities rule and majorities suffer. This is not fair in a democracy.
Ian Campbell
19 October 2024
