Discussion on papers 1–4

R. A. NEWPORT, Chief Engineer (Public Transport), Avon County Council

First let me make clear that all the local authorities in the area - Avon County Council, Bristol City Council and the other District Councils - have welcomed the concept of an LRT system as a valuable potential contribution to the transport system in the county. But the origin of the scheme, from a private promoter, is unprecedented in recent times and has therefore presented the authorities with an unusual challenge.

Avon County Council has from the beginning sought to co-operate with the initiative - though not without doubts about particular aspects, many of which remain to be definitely resolved. It has become apparent that the system will only be constructed if it can attract substantial sums of public money, through a Section 56 grant from both the Government and the County Council.