Liberal Democrat Londonwide Assembly Member Caroline Pidgeon, after the continued failure of the leader of Hammersmith and Fulham Council to answer her questions about how long Hammersmith Bridge will be closed for, said:
“No one underestimates the challenges of finally repairing and strengthening this historic bridge.
“However just because the issue is challenging is no excuse for not being open with the public.
Figures showing the lengthy wait many Londoners face in attempting to contact the 101 police non-emergency line have been revealed by Caroline Pidgeon, the Liberal Democrat Londonwide Assembly Member.
Caroline's questions to the Mayor revealed that in 2017:
Caroline Pidgeon has written to the top lawyer at Transport for London, describing her growing concerns at the lack of openness in the design and procurement process, and asking him to investigate.
Specifically, Caroline raised the issues that:
Following criticism from Caroline Pidgeon and many South Bank residents and businesses, the Mayor has agreed to a review in the summer of the cuts that reduced the RV1 bus route to just three buses an hour.
Caroline joined local campaigners to present a petition at City Hall calling for the cuts to be reversed.
Caroline said:
Caroline Pidgeon has called for more transparency from "London & Partners", the publicly funding tourism and promotions agency.
The London Assembly agreed a motion on 22nd February calling on the Mayor to use his position as the largest contributor to L&P's budget to ensure there is greater accountability.
Caroline said:
“London & Partners has a vital job to do in continuing to promote London in a highly competitive world.
“We should not be complacent over the number of tourists that choose to visit London.
Caroline Pidgeon, Liberal Democrat London Assembly Member and campaigner for better child protection, commenting on the fourth report by Her Majesty’s Inspectorate of Constabulary Fire and Rescue Services (HMICFRS) on the record of child protection investigations undertaken by the Metropolitan Police Service commented:
“It is disturbing that 15 months after the first highly critical report was published, shortcomings are still rife in child protection investigations undertaken by the Met.
Caroline Pidgeon joined other London Assembly Transport Committee members, and the mayor's cycling commissioner Will Norman, to tour central London's cycling infrastructure on two wheels and see at first hand conditions for the cycling public.
Caroline said:
"The Mayor clearly has a vision for cycling, but it may face pressure from Transport for London’s squeezed budget following central government cuts, the fare freeze and falling revenue from commercial activities."
As the Mayor announced that only 40% of homes at the TfL owned Limmo Peninsula in East London will be affordable, Caroline Pidgeon expressed concern that TfL's dire financial state is causing corners to be cut.
In January's Assembly session, Caroline grilled the Mayor on his plans to sell off crossrail trains and lease them back from private companies. She also took aim at TfL's overambitious passenger fare estimates in the Mayor's Draft Budget 2018.
In January's Mayor's Question Time, Caroline Pidgeon pressed the mayor in detail on how the Metropolitan Police are addressing weaknesses in their child protection service.
