Caroline's news

Caroline Pidgeon AM, leader of the Liberal Democrat London Assembly Group, commenting on the Mayor’s response today to her questions about the future of Safer Neighbourhood Teams (SNTs) across London, where he failed to recognise that there would be a reduction in dedicated police officers for each safer neighbourhood team, said:

“The Mayor should come clean with Londoners and admit that he is decimating the current and successful model for safer neighbourhood teams.

Caroline kick-started the new year out and about campaigning with Kingston Liberal Democrats. Caroline joined Sarah Ludford MEP, local campaigner Robin Meltzer and other European candidates knocking on doors and talking to local residents about issues of concern.

“We had a great reception from local people in Kingston and it didn’t rain either!” commented Caroline.

Commenting on the Mayor’s 2013 fare rises which start on 2nd January, Caroline Pidgeon, leader of the Liberal Democrat London Assembly Group, said:

“Inflation busting fare rises are Boris Johnson’s New Year's gift to Londoners.

“Under Boris Johnson the cheapest bus or tram fare - a single Oyster Pay As You Go fare - has soared from 90 pence to £1.40. While most people have seen hardly any improvements in their incomes the Mayor has imposed a staggering rise in the cost of just getting to work.

The King's Cross Environment blog has a report on the London Assembly Transport Committee's report "Gearing Up", and what its proposals could mean for cycling safety around King's Cross.

Blogger Sophie Talbot says:

On first reading it’s a report that appears not to pull its punches. Clear in its message that London needs to take action and fast. It’s timely too. Right now Transport for London is consulting on the changes it will propose to the road system in King’s Cross. This report certainly appears to summarise the vast majority of changes our community has wanted for many, many years and more. Importantly it includes a very clear and highly appropriate timetable against which the Mayor and TfL should report progress

Responding to Transport for London's consultation on the extension of the Northern Line to Battersea, Caroline Pidgeon has set out concerns in a number of areas:

• The value-for-money case for this scheme compared to alternatives
• Capacity on the Northern Line and at Kennington station
• Temporary shafts
• Kennington Park shaft
• Noise mitigation measures
• Local area improvements
• Considerate construction