Caroline's news

Caroline Pidgeon, Leader of the Liberal Democrat London Assembly Group, commenting on the Mayor’s confirmation that the Western Extension Zone (WEZ) will be abolished from Christmas Eve said:

“This is long overdue and very welcome. The WEZ was a serious mistake from the very outset. The WEZ has diluted the initial aims of the original zone by enticing Londoners to drive into central London on a daily basis.

“It is utter madness that some of richest Londoners can drive into central London for just 80 pence a day when everyone else faces a daily Congestion Charge of £8.

Caroline Pidgeon, leader of the Liberal Democrat London Assembly Group, commenting on the Mayor’s fare package for 2011 said:

“The Mayor’s fare package is hitting hardest the Londoners who are on the lowest incomes.

“Last year the Mayor racked up Oyster pay as you go bus fares by an eye watering 20%. Now again he is hitting hard people in temporary or low income jobs who simply cannot afford a season ticket.

Caroline Pidgeon, Leader of the Liberal Democrat London Assembly Group, commenting on the announcement in today’s Comprehensive Spending Review that Crossrail will go ahead, said:

“This is good news for London and Londoners. 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.

The London Assembly has called on the Mayor and Transport for London (TfL) to rethink plans to cull up to 800 jobs on the Underground because of the adverse affects for passengers.

The Assembly believes the proposed cuts will damage customer service and leave passengers feeling less safe at stations where only one member of staff is present, particularly early in the morning and late at night.

Ticket office hours will be reduced, forcing people into long queues for ticket machines. This will especially disadvantage passengers with disabilities who find it difficult to use the machines and who rely on Underground staff for assistance when travelling by Tube.

Caroline Pidgeon, the leader of the Liberal Democrat London Assembly Group, has received further excuses from Transport for London about their controversial decision to remove seating from Bermondsey station.

Following questions to the Mayor of London it had already been confirmed that Transport for London have no plans to remove similar seating at Wood Lane tube station. Now this week Caroline has been informed that the decision to remove the seats at Bermondsey station was a decision by a sub-contractor to Tube Lines.

Commenting on the new development, Caroline Pidgeon said:
“The Bermondsey seat saga continues. The Mayor and Transport for London are being totally inconsistent in how they have dealt with this issue. They claim the initial seats were inaccessible at Bermondsey station, which is why they had to be suddenly removed, yet they are quite happy to leave exactly the same seats at the new Wood Lane tube station.