Transport articles

Lib Dems highlight risks to public as bus CCTV footage is destroyed

Simon Hughes, Liberal Democrat MP for North Southwark and Bermondsey, and Caroline Pidgeon, Liberal Democrat London Assembly Member, have been alarmed to discover that CCTV footage on buses is only kept for one week. After being contacted by a constituent who was allegedly assaulted by a driver on a 42 bus, Simon was shocked to discover the Transport for London and East Thames Buses had no record of the incident because CCTV footage had been destroyed.

Northern Line could close from 10pm on weekdays

The Evening Standard reports on plans for sections of the Northern Line to close at 10pm on weeknights, as signalling systems are replaced over the next two years.

In the article, Caroline gives her views:

Caroline Pidgeon, Lib-Dem transport spokeswoman on the London Assembly, encouraged TfL and Tube Lines to “think outside the box” and suggested that full-line closures, lasting several weeks at a time, may be more efficient than repeated weekend shut-downs.

Lib Dems back bikers faced with foot tunnel closure

Caroline Pidgeon AM, Liberal Democrat chair of the London Assembly Transport Committee, has called on Greenwich Council Leader Chris Roberts to provide an alternative river crossing for hundreds of cyclists when the Greenwich Foot Tunnel closes for up to 18 months for renovation. Cyclists and pedestrians are also threatened with the closure of the 'sister' Woolwich Foot Tunnel at the same time.

Cllr Pidgeon met a group of cyclists at the Cutty Sark outside the south entrance to the Foot Tunnel with Liberal Democrat group leader on Greenwich Council Brian Woodcraft, Cllr Paul Webbewood, and Lib Dem councillors from Lewisham.

After using the lift and inspecting the Tunnel, Caroline Pidgeon said:
"Chris Roberts and Boris Johnson cannot just leave hundreds of cyclists who depend on the Foot Tunnel to get to work every day without an alternative. They face either biking many extra miles to cross Tower Bridge or to use the Woolwich Ferry. The Blackwall and Rotherhithe Tunnels are too dangerous for cyclists and DLR rules do not permit bikes. The Council and the Mayor must find a workable alternative."

US Embassy claims are unsustainable - Caroline in The Times

In a letter to The Times, Caroline Pidgeon has repeated her criticism of the US Embassy's refusal to pay the congestion charge.

Caroline says:

The decision by the new US Ambassador in London to adopt the same stance as his predecessor is a depressing development for everyone who hoped a new Administration in the White House would lead to some of the most abrasive aspects of the US relationship with the UK coming to an end ...

Caroline speaks to The Times on London fares

The Times has a story covering the risk of fare rises across Britain's public transport. Caroline is quoted arguing for a freeze in London fares for 2010:

Caroline Pidgeon, chairman of the London Assembly’s Transport Committee, said that July inflation figures were a key element of setting fares.

“The Mayor should not hesitate to announce that bus, Tube and tram fares will at least be frozen in 2010,”

Mayor must freeze fares for 2010

Caroline Pidgeon, the Liberal Democrat London Assembly Transport Spokesperson and Chair of the London Assembly Transport Committee, commenting on today’s July inflation figures, which are used as the basis of future fare rises said:

“With prices falling by minus 1.4% in July the Mayor should not hesitate to announce that bus, tube and tram fares will at least be frozen in 2010.

US Embassy letting down Londoners on Congestion Charge

Caroline Pidgeon, the Liberal Democrat London Assembly Transport Spokesperson and Chair of the London Assembly Transport Committee, commenting on the announcement by the US State Department, that the US Embassy in London will continue to evade paying the Congestion Charge said:

“Change might have taken place in the White House, but sadly this has not been matched at the US Embassy in London. It seems the much trumpted ‘special relationship’ with the USA is very much a one-way street.”

Campaigning to ensure Green Lane remains green - and safe

Caroline Pidgeon, the Liberal Democrat London Assembly Transport Spokesperson and Chair of the London Assembly Transport Committee, is pushing for a permanent solution to be found to the unsafe junction of Green Lane and High Road which has been plagued for a long time by overgrown shrubbery.

Caroline recently visited the junction at the request of Liberal Democrat Councillors Roger Giess and Julian Heather.

Caroline said:
“The problem with this corner is that the shrubbery keeps growing and makes the junction unsafe as it blocks the views for motorists turning into Green Lane from the High Road. At the same time pedestrians crossing Green Lane have a reduced view of cars turning into the road, making the junction unsafe for them as well."

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