London-wide + Enfield stories

New X34 bus needs to be frequent and reliable as an alternative to cars

Caroline Pidgeon has responded to Transport for London's consultation on the new X34 bus route, which will run between North Finchley and Walthamstow as part of the Superloop.

Caroline stressed the need for a frequent enough service to create an attractive alternative to driving, as well as dedicated bus lanes to avoid buses getting stuck in traffic.

Edmonton Green train service cuts will be a hammer blow for the community

As Greater Anglia announced that it will stop running all its services through Edmonton Green station, Caroline Pidgeon commented:

“This news will come as a hammer blow for those in Edmonton.

“This station is already one of the busiest on the line and the withdrawal of Greater Anglia services will place increased pressure on other services.

“The Mayor needs to think again and to work with Government to provide vital rail services on this line."

Catalytic converter theft has soared to worryingly high rates

The London Assembly Liberal Democrat Group has obtained figures showing soaring rates of catalytic converter theft across London, with Barnet and Hillingdon the worst afflicted boroughs.

Group leader Caroline Pidgeon said:

“A crime that hardly existed in 2017 soared in 2019 and remains at worryingly high levels across much of London, with gangs most recently targeting cars in Barnet, Enfield, Ealing and Hillingdon.

Campaigning in Enfield

Caroline joined Enfield Lib Dems to help with Rob Wilson's campaign for the Bush Hill Park by-election on 22nd November. It was a great day working with such an enthusiastic team.

Out campaigning in Enfield

Caroline went out campaigning in Enfield with the Lib Dem team, including local resident and Lib Dem campaigner Paul Smith. They talked to many local residents about the popular Half Price Fares before Half Past 7 campaign, along with other issues and received a warm reception on the doorstep.

Crossrail 2 - the right thing for London, but we have to do it right

Caroline has responded to Transport for London’s recent consultation on Crossrail 2. You can see a full copy of her response here.

Caroline sets out the long standing support of London Assembly Liberal Democrats for Crossrail. Her consultation response also reiterates the vital importance of every station on the route, from the first day of operation, providing step-free access.

Mayor must now come clean over plans for Night Buses

Caroline Pidgeon AM, Liberal Democrat London Assembly transport spokesperson, commenting on the announcement that the launch of the Night Tube has been deferred, said:

"This is a big climb down for the Mayor. His retreat is entirely due to his error in setting a specific start date before all the staffing arrangements and other issues had been settled.

"By pushing for a set start date the Mayor strengthened the union’s negotiating position.

One Hour Bus Ticket: a long-standing focus for Caroline and the Lib Dems

Dave Hill's London blog in the Guardian looks at the proposal by potential Labour mayoral candidate Christian Wolmar for a bus ticket valid over multiple journeys for an hour - and points out that this has been a long-standing policy of Caroline Pidgeon and the London Assembly Liberal Democrats:

Oakwood station accessibility is a disgrace

After her Freedom of Information request revealed that the lifts providing step-free access at Oakwood tube station have been closed 14 times during the past year, and local residents complained of 7 closures in a period of just two weeks, Caroline Pidgeon told the Enfield Independent:

"It is a disgrace that London Underground are denying access to the Tube for many disabled people and others who rely on using a lift at Oakwood Tube station, simply due to a lack of trained staff.

Upsurge in lift problems at Tube stations harms freedom to travel

Caroline Pidgeon's questions to the Mayor have revealed that between 2013 and 2014, the hours lost due to lift closures on the Tube have risen by 50%, harming the freedom to travel of disabled people and those who depend on step-free access. The main reason was the lack of available trained staff to operate lifts.

Caroline said:

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