Caroline Pidgeon has written to TfL, formally responding to their consultation on extending the Ultra-Low Emissions Zone to become Londonwide.
Caroline said:
This policy must go hand in hand with a wide-ranging scrappage scheme including mobility credits and a comprehensive package of investment in public transport in outer London.
Caroline Pidgeon has formally responded to TfL's Central and Inner London Bus Review consultation.
Caroline said:
The proposals outlined in TfL's Central London Bus Review are deeply concerning, and put the future of bus services in London at risk.
They will level down London and kickstart a vicious cycle of decline across the wider network.
Caroline Pidgeon has warned that the newly opened Barking Riverside extension of the London Overground could be the last ambitious project by Transport for London in the foreseeable future.
Caroline told the BBC:
"I have a fear that whilst this is an amazing project, this is kind of the end of the line for some of the major TfL projects.
As the Mayor warned that London transport fares may rise by 10% in January, Caroline Pidgeon underlined the serious negative impact this would have for Londoners. Caroline told the Evening Standard:
“A 10 per cent rises in fares at a time of a national cost of living crisis would be incredibly painful for many households. I am especially concerned about any rise in bus fares which would especially hit many people on low incomes.
In the London Assembly, Caroline Pidgeon pushed the Mayor to pilot Mobility Hubs at some outer London Underground car parks to bring together bike hire, tubes, buses, car clubs and click-and-collect, as well as EV charging.
Caroline also asked the Mayor to work with the taxi trade to increase rapid EV charging points at taxi refreshment and rest ranks. He has agreed to a meeting about this.
Transport for London has proposed heavy cuts to London's bus services, affecting 23 boroughs, and scrapping 1 in every 20km of bus routes.
Caroline Pidgeon said:
"TfL's proposed bus route changes and cuts are concerning. There have been warnings for months, but these proposals are such a shock. More Londoners travel by bus than any other mode of transport, and buses reach every corner of our city.
With the long-awaited central London section of Crossrail now finally open after many delays, Caroline Pidgeon wrote at the OnLondon website:
Caroline Pidgeon AM, Liberal Democrat London Assembly Member, commenting on today’s announcement of a consultation on extending further the Ultra Low Emission Zone, said:
“I welcome this consultation. While there are many important details that need to be addressed, the extension of the ULEZ is ultimately necessary. Air pollution is not a problem that stops once someone crosses the North or South Circular Roads.
As the government announced its plans to legalise private e-scooters on public roads, Caroline Pidgeon warned of the need for tough regulatory standards - including an acceptable speed limit, and safety measures such as lights.
Caroline stressed:
“Most importantly, it is vital that e-scooters remain illegal on pavements and that the police properly enforce the law in this area.
“The needs of pedestrians and especially blind people must not be overlooked.”
As Transport for London shelved its plans to install permanent anti-terror barriers (Hostile Vehicle Mitigations) on central London river bridges, Caroline Pidgeon said:
"It is bitterly disappointing that this vital work is no longer going ahead. The proper maintenance of London bridges is being compromised.
