MAYOR SET TO SQUEEZE RICHMOND FOR BACKWARD TRANSPORT POLICIES

11.07.00pm BST (GMT +0100) Thu 17th Apr 2003

Ken Livingstone, Mayor of London, is making it clear that Tory boroughs like Richmond who are trying to put the clock back on transport by taking out bus lanes or encouraging car traffic, will get their grants for transport schemes docked.

Said Cllr Martin Elengorn, Lib Dem Transport Spokesman, " The Mayor cannot really be expected to subsidise boroughs who have their heads in the sand on transport policies. "

"Richmond's Community Plan actually advocates "unobstructed flow of traffic", a throwback to the 1960s, forgetting that our roads are part of a crowded and complex urban environment where all needs have to be met and balanced."

"The Tories do not favour an integrated transport system, with priority for least damaging modes of transport such as pedestrians, cycles and public transport. Instead they believe that all modes should be treated equally. "

"But there is not enough road space for that without giving domination back to the motor car which the Tories seem to really want"

"Tearing up the Upper Teddington Road Bus Lane at a cost of £25k and dangerously obstructing cycles and buses in the Cross Deep bus lane by adding heavy goods vehicles are just two of the madcap Tory schemes which are infuriating the Mayor"

"He has treated the Borough generously in recent years but that looks like coming to an end unless the Tories see the light and rejoin the rest of London".

For further information, contact Cllr Elengorn at 0208 977 1187 (Home) or 0207 898 1741 (Office).