LIB DEMS welcome the Government's decision to give £20m to set up the first phase of a Bus Rapid Transit scheme in the Porftsmouth Harbour area.

We believe it has the potential to cut congestion on our crowded roads, and thence pollution,  and is exactly the sort of investment in sustainable development we need to help pull Britain out of recession.

 We are aware of the worries of some residents near the route of the proposed link, but Transport for South Hampshire have worked hard on addressing their concerns. (It shouldn't be forgotten that the route was formerly a railway line - in the steam age, whicnh had its own noise and pollution issues!)

We welcome the decision to incorporate provision for cyclists - thought it would be worth considering the option of adapting buses to carry cycles.

 The scheme was set up following the Government's refusal of funding for a Light Rail system round Portsmouth Harbour, and could be seen as an improvement on that idea - buses have the merit that they can feed out to other areas from the proposed dedicated route.

Transport for South Hampshire say: The scheme is planned to connect key towns and destinations, including Gosport, Fareham, Portsmouth, the Queen Alexandra Hospital and Port Solent and ultimately Havant, Segensworth and Whiteley, with proposed new development sites at North Fareham and Tipner. It will also connect with the existing A3 Zip priority bus corridor from Waterlooville. The scheme aims to provide a high specification, innovative, frequent, reliable, rapid bus service as an alternative form of transport to the private car in South East Hampshire.