COUNCILLORS have approved radical plans to introduce a Red Route to stop delays to public transport in the heart of the town.

Reading Borough Council agreed to commence an experimental Traffic Regulation Order (TRO) following concerns that the Purple 17 bus was continuously being obstructed by 'irresponsible parking'.

Commuters could see the red lines introduced in areas of east and west Reading as early as Christmas, with the central part of the route set to be completed in the New Year to avoid delays during the busy shopping period.

Councillor Tony Page, lead member for Strategic Environment, Planning and Transport, berated residents for failing to back the scheme at a Traffic Management meeting on September 13.

He said: "It is a first for Reading and those of us who know big cities will know the importance of Red Routes in supporting good public transport and I make no apology for that.

"Reading is proud of its public transport network and I am sorry if the Jeremy Clarkson lobby resents this, but we will continue to do so.

"That does not mean we are proceeding insensitively. This approach allows us to be flexible and we are proceeding with an experimental order.

Reading Chronicle:

"The Number 17 bus is the borough's most important service and it is constantly blocked by irresponsible parking in the town.

"Residents have been reassured by the consultation and what it means.

"It is essential we start the initial enforcement of the Red Route, while responding quickly to any concerns."

The council was underwhelmed when a modest total of 40 replies were made during a six-week consultation in June and July.

Councillors say the initial six-month statutory phase will allow them to make refinements as part of the wider 18-month TRO.

Plans were first revealed in 2015 to introduce a Penalty Charge Notice on the route, but there has been a significant backlash from business owners who claim it will 'kill small businesses'.

Motorists caught on the red lines could be fined £60 and the council would use its existing network of static and mobile cameras to enforce the rules.