BUS companies say town centre congestion and “unviably low” car parking charges are stopping people ditching their cars for public transport.

The issues were raised by the town’s four main bus providers in their response to a questionnaire sent out by Colchester Council.

Each provider has been invited to attend a meeting which will scrutinise bus services across the borough next week.

When asked for a view on operating bus services in the town, Arriva bosses responded: “The town is very congested and competitive, with the car parking prices being unviably low, offering no reason for a car driver to move across to bus.”

When asked whether Arriva would attend a meeting with the council and other bus operators, bosses replied: “We are commercial operators. We will not wish to openly talk to you or anyone else with opponents in the room.

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In response to the same questionnaire, Hedingham Chambers chiefs said: “ Colchester depends upon its bus network for its economic vitality.

“It is already congested and a significant reduction in bus use would produce gridlock and economic sterility.

“The town centre economy depends upon a level of footfall that the local road network could not provide if it was only used by cars – regardless of parking issues or matters of air quality.

The company added: “We commend the current network of bus lanes which has helped us maintain services despite the increase in costs resulting from traffic congestion.

“However, more priority for buses is needed to the east of the town centre in particular if the current network is to be sustained in the face of increasing congestion, and the situation in the town centre where congestion is caused by the small proportion of people not using buses needs urgent review.”

First Bus Essex told the council: “The main issues facing operators are congestion, with the consequential high costs of operation.

“Cheap car parking is a barrier to achieving modal shift.”

Paul Smith, Colchester Council leader, has previously lamented pressure on parking charges, which are cited as too high by town centre retailers and too low by bus companies.