Caroline's news

Caroline Pidgeon, leader of the Liberal Democrat London Assembly Group, commenting on today’s confirmation that Thameslink will go ahead in its entirety, virtually doubling the number of north-south trains running through central London at peak times said:

“This announcement is a great day for commuters and London’s economy.

“Firstly Crossrail and now the confirmation that the Thameslink project will go head in full means that train capacity across the whole of London will be greatly increased within an decade.

“At a time of such tight public finances and when difficult short term decisions are having to be made in so many areas it is excellent news that long term plans to improve transport in London have not been compromised.”

Caroline Pidgeon, commenting on the refusal of the Mayor and Transport for London to provide a signalised crossing on Jamaica Road by Southwark Park, said:

"The Mayor's refusal of a much needed signalised crossing on Jamaica Road by Southwark Park is appalling news for the users of the park and the many other pedestrians who simply want to cross the road in safety and with ease.

"Despite announcing that 2011 will be the Year of Walking, the Mayor repeatedly shows he is unable to properly consider the interests of pedestrians."

MPs debated the High Speed 2 scheme in Westminster hall on 23rd November. Lib Dem MP Martin Horwood (beginning around 10:24 on the video) discussed the impact of the scheme and mentioned Caroline Pidgeon's campaigning work with Camden residents who will be affected by the building of the new line.

Caroline Pidgeon, Leader of the Liberal Democrat London Assembly Group, has welcomed the decision of the Mayor and Transport for London as a “victory for common sense” to finally accept the need for a review of whether a 24-hour bus lane should continue on Jamaica Road.

Over the last two years, Caroline Pidgeon has regularly urged the Mayor to consider reviewing the hours that the bus lane operates, yet in response to repeated questions the Mayor has consistently refused. As recently as March of this year the Mayor confirmed that Transport for London had no plans at all to review the operation hours of the bus lane.

Commenting on the sudden change of mind by the Mayor and Transport for London Caroline Pidgeon said:
“This is a victory for common sense and I am delighted that finally the Mayor and Transport for London have listened to the views of local residents, councillors and Simon Hughes MP on this issue. I know many residents find the 24-hour operation of this bus lane incredibly frustrating and want action to end the snail-paced traffic on Jamaica Road.

Caroline was guest speaker at Merton Liberal Democrats' AGM on Thursday 18th November in Wimbledon.

Caroline talked about the work of the Lib Dem Group on the London Assembly including Mike's work on air quality, Dee's on front line policing and her own work on transport in London including South West Trains agreeing to sell Oyster tickets in 2011.