Southwark Liberal Democrats’ campaign for new schools in the borough was given a boost this week with a visit from the Minister for Schools, David Laws MP.
The Liberal Democrat minister met parents and local councillors in East Dulwich to discuss the shortage of school places in Southwark and what the Government is doing to support new schools.
Looking back at 10 years of Oyster, and its uncertain future as "wave and pay" technology is introduced, Caroline Pidgeon told the Mayorwatch website:
"While wave and way technology will inevitably become more widespread over the next few years there can be no excuse for people using Oyster who have no access to a bank account being penalised.
"The Mayor must honour his specific pledge that Oyster fares will remain the cheapest fares. If a weekly cap is introduced on using wave and pay on London buses then it is vital that a similar cap applies on Oyster PAYG weekly fares."
Caroline Pidgeon AM, Leader of the Liberal Democrat London Assembly Group, commenting on the confirmation today by the Treasury that funding has been secured to ensure the long overdue electrification of the Barking to Gospel Oak train line, said:
“This is incredibly welcome news. Electrification of this railway line stretching from Barking to Gospel Oak is exactly what long suffering passengers on this line have been waiting for. They can now look forward to a much more reliable service.
After a Freedom of Information request from the London Assembly Lib Dems revealed that Transport for London is holding £100m of cash in Oyster credit balances and deposits, Caroline Pidgeon commented:
“For far too long Transport for London has been keeping secret the huge amounts of public money they are banking due to so many dormant Oyster cards.
Liberal Democrats at three levels of government have come together to ask Transport for London to take urgent action on the gridlock at Rotherhithe roundabout.
Borough councillors, Bermondsey MP Simon Hughes and London Assembly member Caroline Pidgeon AM have joined forces to call for an end to the heavy congestion around Rotherhithe Tunnel, including changes to the road layout and roundabout.
