How to get Crossrail completed
In an interview with Rail Technology magazine, Caroline discusses the problems so far with Crossrail, and the leadership that is needed to make sure it is successfully completed.
In the news articles
Financial regulator to review Crossrail's lack of transparency on delays
The Financial Conduct Authority has confirmed to Caroline Pidgeon it is reviewing the late announcement of the Crossrail delay, and the lack of transparency provided to the public and the financial markets, to decide whether to launch a formal investigation.
Caroline said:
“The Transport Committee identified grave discrepancies in the evidence gathered from meetings to determine who knew what, when, with regard to the launch of Crossrail.
Boris Johnson: Has the mask slipped?
Writing for Liberal Democrat Voice, Caroline discusses her experience of scrutinising him at Mayor of London, and how the reality may be catching up with his public image.
And indeed, that is the point about Boris Johnson. It is those who know him best who have the lowest regard for him.
I have been a London Assembly Member since 2008 and for eight of those years I saw first-hand how he operated as Mayor of London.
Londoners have been let down by the lack of clear communication on Crossrail delays
As Chair of the London Assembly Transport Committee, Caroline Pidgeon has written to the Mayor expressing great disappointment at the lack of transparency around the delay in opening Crossrail, with board meetings held in secret instead of being forthcoming with the public.
We accept the assurances you have personally given to the Assembly that you did not know the specific details of the delay until two days before the announcement.
Waiting five years to fix the "crossing of death" is an insult to Greenwich residents
After Caroline Pidgeon pressured the Mayor to publish the list of dates to fix London's 33 most dangerous junctions, it has emerged that the Woolwich Road roundabout will not be made safer until 2023.
Caroline said:
“There are very good reasons why the Greenwich A102 junction is now known by local residents as the ‘crossing of death’
Mayor admits to deteriorating 999 response times across the whole of London
The Metropolitan Police are regularly redirecting nighttime 999 calls to other police forces, the Mayor of London has admitted in response to questioning by Caroline Pidgeon. Over June, July and August, the Met diverted 2,820 emergency 999 calls to other police forces to handle.
In response to questioning the Mayor has also admitted:
Taxpayers keep on paying for West Ham's Olympic Stadium contract
After the London Assembly found that taxpayers are still subsidising West Ham's rental of the Olympic Stadium, and paying legal fees for disputes around the contract, Caroline Pidgeon said:
“The more I hear about the Olympic Stadium contract with West Ham the more frustrated I get.
“Boris’ team signed this off and currently we are told each match day costs the taxpayer around £250k in subsidy…… unbelievable.
£10m lost in Crossrail ad revenue is a blow TfL cannot afford
Caroline's probing of the impact of the delay in opening Crossrail has revealed that TfL will lose £10m that it could have made from advertising inside Crossrail trains.
Caroline said:
"The £10m in lost commercial income due to the delayed opening of Crossrail is just the latest blow to TfL's finances.
"Any examination of TfL's accounts shows that it is clearly on the ropes. In its current state I wonder how many more financial blows it can now take."
Brexit is bad for London's economy and safety
Caroline spoke out against Brexit at the London Society's debate on 13th September: "Will Brexit be good for London?"
Caroline said:
Urgent action is needed on the most dangerous road junctions
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