Pro-car Policy
During his time as a councillor in the London Borough of Barnet, Coleman has built up a reputation as an outspoken supporter of car driving, leading Richard Littlejohn to label him a "hero" for introducing a policy of removing road humps when the roads of Barnet are resurfaced. Coleman quotes the Metropolitan Police and the London Ambulance Service as being supporters of this policy while road safety critics argue that the policy is reckless and driven by populism and self-promotion.
Coleman was caught by a speed camera exceeding a 30 mph speed limit in Borehamwood in January 2006. He already had 9 points on his driving licence. On 9 August 2006 at St Albans Magistrates' Court, Coleman was given three points on his licence, banned from driving for six months and fined £300.
In August 2007 Coleman received an apology from the BBC after he complained that the appearance of Blue Peter presenter Konnie Huq at the media launch of a London cycling event was political. Speaking at the launch, the Mayor of London and a Green party assembly member had accused Conservatives of pursuing a pro-car policy.
In February 2009 Coleman gave his comments on a proposed off-road light-rail line that would join (again) the two branches of the Northern Line in Barnet, as well as linking to Ealing Broadway, Wembley, Brent Cross and West Hampstead. He described the scheme as "bonkers" and insulted those in favour of it.
In May 2010 Coleman returned to Barnet's Cabinet (after his year as Mayor) taking the Environment and Transport portfolio. He stated that his priority would be "roads, roads, roads and roads".
Read more about this topic: Brian Coleman
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