Caroline's news

Caroline Pidgeon, Leader of the Liberal Democrat London Assembly Group and Vice Chair of the London Assembly Transport Committee, commenting on proposals by Transport for London to implement parking charges in places where short term free parking is currently allowed, said:

"This is a short sighted measure, where the harm will far outweigh any gains. These proposals will raise little revenue but badly hit small shops and traders which rely on passing trade.

In an article for the London Says website, Caroline Pidgeon argues that positive moves are being made in devolving power from national government to London, but that much more remains to be done:

The new Government made it clear that they will devolve more responsibilities to London Government – the Mayor, Assembly and Boroughs – if there was agreement on a package of measures. I am pleased to say we collectively rose to the challenge and our submission was on Eric Pickles’ desk before the summer. ...

Yet while all these developments are hugely welcome, the Government’s legislation must ensure transparency and democratic accountability are improved at all levels. ...

Trust is needed in setting local and regional government free from the ties of Whitehall. A good start has been made, but we now need to fully deliver on this vital agenda of truly devolving power downwards and saying goodbye to Whitehall always knowing best.

You can read the full article here.

South West Trains’ decision to start equipping their ticket machines to sell Oyster PAYG top-up at their stations in the London area has been warmly welcomed by Caroline Pidgeon, Leader of the Liberal Democrat London Assembly Group.

Just weeks ago Boris Johnson, the Mayor of London, told Caroline Pidgeon that South West Trains was the only train operating company in London refusing to sell Oyster tickets or provide Oyster top-ups for passengers. At the time the Mayor also stated that South West Trains did not even have any plans to start selling Oyster tickets in the near future.

South Bermondsey Liberal Democrat councillors Michael Bukola and Paul Kyriacou have hit out at the failures of Southwark Council and Transport for London to properly manage the chaos on Southwark Park Road. Further to traders' complaints about the effects on their business, local residents have also complained about the closure of the bus stop outside the post office. There is chaos as some buses stop and some do not. The nearest bus stop is a significant distance away. Councillors Bukola and Kyriacou have taken this up with the council and with Liberal Democrat London Assembly Member Caroline Pidgeon to ask for her assistance in dealing with TfL.

Commenting, Councillor Michael Bukola said "Not only is the work causing traffic jams and dangers to pedestrians, but the closed bus stop is creating real problems for local shoppers and residents. It is really frustrating that neither the council nor TfL have thought to provide a temporary bus stop meaning that local people have to walk a long way to the next bus stop.

The Lib Dem Women's Network event at City Hall, London on Monday was a great success. Assembly Member Caroline Pidgeon showed network members around the Lord Foster building - which has a nickname not suitable for a family newspaper to report! Caroline shared her experiences of the GLA and the ways she and her colleagues Dee Doocey and Mike Tuffrey work together to hold Mayor Boris Johnson to account. After the tour and questions the network headed off for pasta and a catch up nearby!