The transport fiasco that has led Bristol's three surrounding authorities to pull out of the proposed Integrated Transport Authority has shown up the "County that used to be Avon" (CUBA) to be a pathetic alliance.

Councillor Jon Rogers, with cross-party support, is rightly trying to take this old bull by the horns and deliver a proper sustainable transport policy and system, and has the courage to push for what he believes in, but those who represent the commuters who drive in and clog up this city of ours seem to be totally unable to see the big picture.

It leads me to believe we were left with a pretty hopeless set-up when Avon was dissolved in 1996. 

What we clearly need is a Greater Bristol metropolitan authority that includes the whole urban area plus its hinterland or we shall never be able to get to grips with these vital issues, although I know I may be whistling in this weekend's winds. 

It seems that there is a failure of the surrounding authorities to appreciate the enormous contribution that the City of Bristol makes to their areas' economic, cultural and environmental conditions, and a reluctance to contribute accordingly.

This is the consequence of a political, rather than common sense, approach to the re-drawing of boundaries resulting in a very unequal financial treatment from central government with Bristol taking the brunt.

We simply cannot let things carry on the way they are – and an incoming government threatening to take away any regional representation will take away any remaining opportunity for proper planning.

I know we have to protect our city's edges from the sort of explosive development we have seen to the north of the city over the last couple of decades, but subject to the strengthening of the green belt to prevent unwarranted sprawl that will take the countryside further out of reach.

But let's come back to transport. I have recently written of examples of other European cities who have cracked this issue to their enormous benefit, and received an enthusiastic letter in immaculate English from the Mayor of Bordeaux, who evidently reads the Evening Post. I am preparing to return the compliment in French.

It is so frustrating if we are to be left behind our British counterparts just because our neighbouring authorities cannot see beyond the ends of their noses. 

For those who want to go on driving into Bristol and complaining about the traffic jams, I suppose nothing will change their minds, but for those who can see a better future jumping on a tram, they are not being served well.