Caroline's news

Caroline hosted a meeting with officers from TfL and Kingston Council along with Cllr Simon James, Executive Member for Transport at Kingston to discuss the plans for countdown signs in the Borough.

TfL is currently upgrading all signs to new technology which will allow real time information to mobile phones and online as well as at information signs at bus stops.

The current plans show the same number of signs per borough as the current system but at different locations. This could lead to areas such as Malden and Combe seeing half of their signs removed, even though it is the most populated area in Kingston. Discussion also took place on particular issues at Cromwell Road Bus Garage, where there are currently three countdown signs. TfL is looking at a solution to have all of the information in one sign.

"I was glad to bring everyone together for a frank discussion about the criteria for these signs and to find a way forward. TfL has agreed to review some of the signs and data and Kingston may also look at how they can buy some additional signs" commented Caroline Pidgeon AM.

Caroline Pidgeon, leader of the Liberal Democrat Assembly Group and transport spokesperson, commenting on Transport for London’s sudden decision to cancel most weekend closures on the Northern Line during the month of August after their review of required weekend closures, said:

Lib Dems Caroline Pidgeon AM and Simon Hughes MP joined politicians of all parties at a Save the South London Line campaign event at Clapham High Street station on 28th July.

The event was to highlight the future plans to axe this vital service between Victoria and London Bridge stations, via stations such as Clapham High Street, Peckham Rye and South Bermondsey.

"When we were promised the extension of the East London Line to Clapham Junction, it was never in place of our existing South London Line service. We need both services to meet the demand for transport in South East London and for the hospital workers and visitors who go between Guy's Hospital at London Bridge and King's or the Maudsley down in Denmark Hill. I do not want to see any of the stations on this route left with a worse service" commented Caroline Pidgeon.

Caroline Pidgeon AM gave evidence on 27th July to the Planning Inspector who is currently assessing Southwark Council’s planning document known as the Core Strategy.

Caroline has asked for the old police station garden on the Walworth Road/Carter Place to be protected as Borough Open Land so that it can become a pocket park for local people.

“I have looked back over old maps and the site has never had any building on it – maps back to 1893 show this. We have also found wonderful pictures which clearly show a garden on the site at the front of a house and then the old police station”

“I hope the inspector will agree that the site is a green lung on the busy Walworth Road and should be protected from any development”

The inspector will report in a few months' time.

As part of the Transport Committee’s work on the accessibility of the transport system in London, Caroline Pidgeon AM along with other Committee members went on two site visits. The first to Liverpool Street Station where the committee looked around the station and the many accessibility issues with some wheelchair passengers.

The second visit then went to Stratford to look at the investment there and the interchanges between different modes of transport.