Caroline's news

While London Mayor and Transport for London (TfL) Chair, Boris Johnson, refused to travel on the overcrowded, TfL-run, London Overground Barking–Gospel Oak rail service when invited by London Assembly Chair Jennette Arnold, Caroline Pidgeon, Liberal Democrat Vice-Chair of the London Assembly Transport Committee, was made of sterner stuff. She travelled with members of the Barking – Gospel Oak Line User Group (BGOLUG) on a crowded morning peak train from Barking last Friday (27th February) in order to see the overcrowded conditions for herself.

Caroline Pidgeon, the Liberal Democrat London Assembly Transport Spokesperson, following her questions to the Mayor when he committed to look at an electric car hire scheme like the one which exists in Paris, said:

“It is great news that Boris Johnson is at least saying the right things on this issue. London really must follow Paris in adopting a public electric car hire scheme.

Islington campaigners want action from Transport for London on what they say are ludicrously short crossing times at a busy Upper Street junction, where Islington Park Street and Canonbury Lane join the main road.

Last Friday, Liberal Democrat campaigner Bridget Fox brought GLA Transport Vice-Chair Caroline Pidgeon to see for herself. And Caroline has pledged her help in raising the issue.

Bridget says, “We timed the green man at just 5.2 seconds. Perhaps TfL think that crossing the road in Islington should be an Olympic event?”

Downham residents in Lewisham voted overwhelmingly for two new Liberal Democrat councillors on Thursday 19th February. Caroline went down a number of times to help the team.

“I am thrilled that Duwayne Brooks and Jenni Clutt3n have been elected. They are two very energetic and dynamic people who will be a strong voice for Downham residents, along with Cllr Julia Fletcher”.

Traffic officers have been forced to do a last-minute rethink of plans for Streatham High Road following a protest by Liberal Democrat GLA member Caroline Pidgeon, supported by local Liberal Democrat councillors.

With work due to begin on Monday, it emerged that a plan to improve conditions for pedestrians by widening the pavement is instead going to narrow the pavement and make it more crowded.

Following a site meeting this week with Caroline and Lib Dem ward councillors, officers from Transport for London agreed to look again at their proposals.