Scrutinising the Mayor articles

Meeting Kingston Liberal Democrat Councillors

Caroline met with Kingston Liberal Democrat Councillors on Monday 25th October as part of a series of meetings with Lib Dem Council Groups across London.

A number of important issues were discussed, such as funding for the Freedom Pass and the threat to the London Grants Scheme. Local concerns such as rezoning Kingston Station, serious traffic problems in Chessington and South West Trains not selling Oystercards were also raised.

“It was a delight to meet the Councillors who are running Kingston Council and to hear about some of the big issues affecting their area” commented Caroline Pidgeon AM.

28 October 2010 - 10:59pm

Mayor is insulting Londoners by trying to bury details of stealth fare rises

Caroline Pidgeon, Leader of the Liberal Democrat London Assembly Group, commenting on the Mayor’s announcement on bus, tube and tram fare rises, which include plans to hike the cost of One Day Travelcards by up to 74%, said:

“The Mayor was insulting Londoners by burying bad news like this on the day the Comprehensive Spending Review was announced.

24 October 2010 - 9:23pm

TfL and unions must both put passengers first

Caroline Pidgeon has backed a recent House of Commosn motion tabled by Martin Horwood MP, the co-chair of the Liberal Democrat Parliamentary Committee on Transport, denouncing the recent tube strikes and highlighting the inconvenience suffered by commuters. Martin has criticised both the unions and the Mayor of London’s office for not doing enough to reach an agreement between all parties, and encouraged the Mayor of London to bring the current talks to a settlement.

20 October 2010 - 10:06pm

Abolition of Western Extension Charge is long overdue

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.

20 October 2010 - 10:02pm

Mayor is hitting the lowest paid Londoners once again

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.

20 October 2010 - 9:59pm

Crossrail go-ahead is great news for all Londoners

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.

20 October 2010 - 9:58pm

Assembly urges Mayor to rethink Tube ticket office staff cuts

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.

20 October 2010 - 9:56pm

Transport for London held to account

Caroline spoke at a fringe meeting at Lib Dem Conference in Liverpool hosted by Transport for London.

Caroline highlighted the unique challenges in the capital with a growing population and ageing infrastructure and the need for the investment through Crossrail and the tube upgrades to keep London moving.

Caroline also expressed concern about accessibility improvements being cancelled due to budgetary constraints. TfL spent £20 million on Step-free access projects at Amersham, Greenford, Ladbroke Grove, Newbury Park, Osterley and West Kensington stations. These have now been halted before the work has been completed.

9 October 2010 - 7:01pm

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