Scott leads Lords' cycling revolt
MEMBERS of the House of Lords led by Liberal Democrat Baroness Scott of Needham Market defeated the Government last night by backing a move to crack down on use of vehicles and motorcycles on the national cycle trails.
By Graham Dines
MEMBERS of the House of Lords led by Liberal Democrat Baroness Scott of Needham Market defeated the Government last night by backing a move to crack down on use of vehicles and motorcycles on the national cycle trails.
Lady Scott, who was supported by Conservative frontbench spokesman Viscount Astor and Labour peer Lord Berkeley, said the problem arose because rights of way law was outdated.
"We have a law which allows vehicular use on these routes. Three years ago peers tried very hard to get changes to the law when the Countryside and Rights of Way Act was going through this House and the Government resisted at that point," said Lady Scott.
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"I make no claim to be an expert on Human Rights legislation or on procedures of the House. However the Government could accept the principle and move a more suitable amendment in the Commons.
"I won't accept lectures from anyone on my commitment to human rights or consultation and my record in Suffolk will bear testatment to that.
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"However there are very clear examples where people's lives are being endangered as well as the recreation and amenity of people who wish to use these routes."
The Government was defeated by 132 to 110, a majority of 22, even though frontbench spokesman Lord McIntosh of Haringey, said Lady Scott's amendment was technically defective and against the European Convention on Human Rights.
