Caroline Pidgeon has written to the Mayor, stressing the severity and urgency of the situation that the creative industries in London are facing during the pandemic, and urging him to lobby the government and to commit to doing all he can for the sector.
Caroline wrote:
Caroline Pidgeon welcomed the prospect of the Thameslink route appearing on the tube map, to remind central London travellers that it's a convenient and less crowded option.
Caroline told the London SE1 website:
"I very much welcome what looks like the Mayor and TfL backing down on this issue.
"There are short and long term arguments for putting Thameslink back on the tube map.
Caroline Pidgeon has criticised Transport for London's move to end cash payments across all Tube stations, without a genuine consultation process.
Caroline told the Evening Standard:
“I remain concerned that TfL is still planning to end cash payments across all of its Tube stations.
“The potential of increased fare evasion appears to have not been considered or the difficulties of people being forced to quickly top up their Oyster cards while on the move.
On the tenth anniversary of the cycle hire scheme, Caroline Pidgeon pointed to the gaps in its coverage - especially in south-east London, and especially at a time when so many people want to cycle rather than use buses or trains.
“The bold expansion of the scheme that took place in the early years of the scheme has halted. It is time that much more ambition was shown.
At the London Assembly Plenary session, Caroline asked questions on support for London’s market traders, sole traders and micro businesses. Market traders are a vital part of London’s economy and culture, especially in areas such as the East End, but also right across the capital.
Caroline Pidgeon has asked the Deputy Mayor for Business to urgently review the drastic impact that the pandemic has had on London's market traders, and the very limited support they have been able to access.
Caroline wrote:
Caroline Pidgeon has joined Liberal Democrats mayoral candidate Siobhan Benita, and Lib Dem councillors from around London, to ask the Chancellor to temporarily cut VAT on restaurant food to 10%, as restaurants deal with the huge damage the pandemic has done to their businesses.
In her letter to the Chancellor, Caroline says:
At a virtual London Assembly session, Caroline encouraged the mayor to consider creative proposals to use the transport network as efficiently as possible, especially at a time when social distancing is vital:
Caroline has written to the mayor to advocate for Sistah SPACE Against Domestic Abuse, a Hackney-based domestic violence charity focussed on supporting and helping women and girls of African heritage across London. They have been evicted from their offices, and Hackney Council has asked them to move to a wholly unsuitable premises.
Caroline has stressed to the mayor that it's essential for Sistah Space to remain in the premises they are in, or find alternative, appropriate accommodation so that they can carry on their essential work.
With the Congestion Charge about to increase in price and apply for extended hours, Caroline discussed the situation with BBC Radio London.
