Conservative plans for transport across Essex are 'not based on a realistic expectation of funding' according to the government. That was the view of GO-East (Government Office for the East of England) when presented with Essex County Council's plans for transport over the next five years.

Keith Francis, Liberal Democrats spokesman for transport on Essex County Council, said:

"The Tories at Essex County Council make much of their competence to manage their budget and keep down council tax. It is now crystal clear that their claims are nothing more than spin, when a major project like the Local Transport Plan is based on money that they merely hope will come from another source. It is like someone booking a luxurious holiday knowing they can't afford it and hoping the money will appear from a kindly aunt.

Only last month the Tories failed to get government funding for another of their transport projects and it is now evident that this administration has no idea of what comprises an effective and realistic transport plan.

The government has now added to Essex's crisis by heavy criticism of the content of the Transport Plan itself. For the people of Essex who are already suffering from record levels of congestion, pollution and poor road maintenance, this is a double whammy that ensures many grim journeys ahead."