Tributes paid to former transport campaigner

Tributes have been paid to a former transport campaigner from Telford, who has died at the age of 64.

Peter Roberts, from Lawley Bank, was described as "passionate" and "deeply respected", by friends and colleagues.

He made headlines in 2007 after he launched a petition against the Labour government's plans to reduce congestion by charging drivers £1.30 for travelling on busy roads.

The scale of the petition generated so much traffic that it briefly crashed the government's website and contributed towards the scrapping of the plans.

Mr Roberts set up the Drivers' Alliance in 2008, and went on to become a founding director of the Alliance of British Drivers.

The not-for-profit group campaigns for drivers' rights, its director Brian Gregory expressed the group's "huge sadness".

He said: "From my first acquaintance with Peter over 30 years ago, he remained a firm libertarian and critic of the broken UK uniparty system."

Mr Roberts was part of the West Midlands UK Independence Party campaign and research team, and was elected to represent the party on Hollinswood and Randlay parish council in 2016.

Former West Midlands MEP Jill Seymour described him as "a dear friend and deeply respected colleague".

She added: "As my researcher for transport in the European Parliament, Peter's expert knowledge and dedication were invaluable.

"Our memories of Peter's passion and unwavering commitment - both in politics and our shared endeavours - will forever remain with us.

"We shared countless special moments that will always hold a cherished place in our hearts."

Mr Roberts is survived by his partner Kerry and two children, Adam and Leanne.

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