IT was five years ago when the Deputy Prime Minister John Prescott announced Labour's exciting Ten Year Transport Plan.

In his speech, Mr Prescott said "I will have failed if in five years there are not many more people using public transport and far fewer journeys by car. It is a tall order but I urge you to hold me to it."

Five years on, figures show that traffic levels have increased by 1.3 per cent.

Bus usage outside London is down two per cent while, if anything, our train services have gone worse.

The original aim five years ago was to reduce road congestion by six per cent.

This week the Transport Secretary conceded it would rise by 20 per cent. The Transport Plan has failed every target it was set.

Finally, there is the cost. The government have pledged to spend £180billion of our money on the Transport Plan, that is £30 for every man, woman and child in the country. And it is 50 times what the Royal Family costs.

Councillor D PEARSON, Rawstorne Street, Blackburn.