Over the last few weeks thousands of cyclists have expressed concerns about the Mayor's and Transport for London's plans for Blackfriars Bridge.
The initial plans put forward by Transport for London were severely criticised for ignoring cyclists and after an extensive campaign which Caroline fully supported, the design plans were improved.
However the Mayor and Transport for London are still determined to end the temporary 20 mph speed limit on this dangerous bridge, and instead seem wish to introduce a new speed limit of 30 mph on this vital river crossing for cyclists.
London Assembly Members were set to have a formal debate about the safety of cyclists on the bridge at a recent Plenary meeting of the London Assembly. The outcome of the debate and vote taken by London Assembly Members would have played a key role in influencing both Transport for London and the Mayor of London.
However the Conservative Assembly Members, instead of debating the issue, collectively walked out of the chamber of City Hall before the motion could be debated. Their actions directly prevented any debate taking place.
Incredibly, as Ross Lydall reports in the Evening Standard, the Conservative London Assembly Members were unable to even give a consistent explanation for their actions!
Following their decision to sabotage the debate Caroline said:
“The London Assembly could have sent out a clear message about the need to ensure that Blackfriars Bridge is made safer for cyclists. Due to the actions of Conservative Assembly Members that key opportunity has been denied. I hope every cyclist who cares about this issue will take note of their actions."
There have been extensive reports on the actions of the Conservative Assembly Members, including at the BBC website, the Evening Standard, the London Cycling Campaign website, and the London Cyclist and Scoop blogs.
Outside, the Assembly, Liberal Democrats have continued to progress the issue, with Lib Dem Transport Minister Norman Baker backing the 20mph limit proposal and agreeing to raise it with TfL, as reported here by the London Cycling Campaign.