CONTROVERSIAL plans to ease congestion throughout the town continue to attract criticism from opposition councillors, environmentalists and residents.

Green Party members have branded the Mass Rapid Transit (MRT) project as the 'Labour Road to Nowhere' and believe the scheme would 'destroy' the wildlife along the River Thames.

The party claims thousands of objections have been made against the transport scheme, which would link East Reading to the town centre with dedicated lanes for public transport.

Councillor Rob White, Green Party leader, explained: "This seems like a Labour-run council that has totally run out of ideas and is willing to spend £20 million on yet another vanity project.

"On behalf of the thousands of residents opposing this plan I ask Reading Borough Council to rethink and seriously consider more workable options.

"Measures such as a workplace parking levy to manage demand, a tidal flow bus lane on London Road and an extra level on the existing Winnersh park-and-ride.

"It is initiatives such as these which would truly create a cleaner, greener town and improve the well-being of our residents."

Private vehicles will not be allowed to use the route, which is intended to relieve excessive amounts of traffic along Cemetery Junction and London Road at peak times.

If plans are approved, work on the MRT route could start as early as 2019, with a view to opening in 2021/22.

Funding has been obtained externally through Thames Valley Berkshire Local Enterprise Partnership's growth deal, following a successful bid by the council.

Tony Page, lead member for Planning and Transport, added: “The scheme is a vital first element of developing a public transport corridor between Reading, Wokingham and Bracknell.

“The East Reading MRT proposal will help to manage and accommodate the very substantial growth planned over the next 20 years in the Wokingham area and reduce the impact of this growth on residents in Reading.

"It is forecast that many thousands of car commuter journeys will switch to public transport, thereby reducing congestion and improving air quality in East Reading."