Caroline's news

The London Assembly motion has called on Mayor Boris Johnson to take swift action to make cycle routes in London as safe as possible, including responding fully to criticisms made during the inquests into the deaths of cyclists Brian Dorling and Philippine de Gerin-Ricard.

Following criticism from police and other witnesses, Coroner Mary Hassell expressed concerns over the safety of Cycle Superhighway 2 in a Prevention of Future Deaths report, which stated that she felt “there is a risk that future deaths will occur unless action is taken”.

As a pilot of "wave and pay" technology on the Tube approaches, Caroline Pidgeon, leader of the Lib Dem London Assembly Group, said:

“It is time the Mayor gave some clear answers on how wave and pay technology will finally be rolled out across the Tube, DLR, trams and Overground.

“He needs to clarify his long-term vision for Oyster and ensure its fares always stay the cheapest available.”

London is set to see two pure electric buses on its roads from next month with four more starting in the Spring.

The details of this initiative are hidden away in Transport for London’s Commissioner report to the TfL Board published yesterday.

Electric buses are increasingly being adopted in European cities and in cities across the world. London’s final adoption of them is a clear example of the capital now trying to catch up with other major cities.

Caroline Pidgeon AM, Leader of the Liberal Democrat London Assembly Group, commenting on today’s London Assembly Transport Committee report which recommends that the Mayor and TfL examine new fare and ticket options, including a part-time travelcard, said:

"The Mayor needs to recognise that fresh thinking on fares is needed.

Responding to a report investigating the causes of the 3-year overrun in the project to refurbish the Greenwich and Woolwich foot tunnels, Caroline Pidgeon said: "Finally some information has come to light as to why the upgrades to the tunnels took so long and incredibly are still in such a poor condition.

"Reading the report it does seem that fault lies equally with Greenwich Council and the contractors.

"Greenwich Council must now apologise to the tens of thousands of pedestrians and cyclists who rely on these tunnels but were never kept properly informed while the disruption over the tunnel closures dragged on over such a long period of time."