Caroline's news

Caroline was out and about in Sutton with Paul Burstow MP talking to residents about the Fairer Votes referendum and discussing local issues.

Caroline also took the opportunity to look at some local transport concerns with Paul Burstow MP and London Assembly Candidate Shas Sheehan.

"It was really interesting talking to local residents in Sutton to hear about local concerns. The overwhelming message was the need for a better voting system!" commented Caroline.

On Thursday 14th April Caroline was the guest speaker at the London Chamber of Commerce. Over a light breakfast, Caroline outline a number of challenges for business, focusing on the area of transport and the need to increase capacity through projects such as Crossrail, Thameslink and the tube upgrades.

“It was really good to meet a number of businesses in London and to hear their concerns. From road congestion, to problems on the tube and rail networks, to concerns around capacity throughout the 2012 Games, it was useful to find out the issues that really impact on London’s economy and what possible solutions there might be” commented Caroline.

Caroline Pidgeon AM carried out a site visit with TfL to Blackfriars bridge on Monday 18th April to look on site at the new plans that TfL are proposing for the design of the junction.

The new plans, which would be introduced after the works to Blackfriars station are complete, result in the removal of an existing cycle lane and priority really given to vehicles rather than pedestrians and cyclists.

Caroline Pidgeon, Leader of the Liberal Democrat London Assembly Group, commenting on the Mayor’s announcement of a lead contractor to construct London’s cable car, said:

“A cable car crossing the Thames is a great idea, but it is a great idea being let down by poor financial planning and a lack of openness.

“The Mayor must now come clean and state why as recently as July 2010 he was claiming the cable car would cost £25 million, but already its projected cost has doubled.

Last Autumn saw the dreadful news that the late night service on the Clipper service was being removed from the winter timetable.

The good news is that following an excellent campaign run by commuters, Southwark Liberal Democrat Councillors and Caroline (read more on Caroline's site here and here) an evening service has now returned, starting from the 1st April.