Simon Hughes Launches Lib Dem Mayoral Transport Paper

12.00.00am GMT Mon 15th Dec 2003

Liberal Democrat Mayoral candidate Simon Hughes MP today launched a series of major proposals for transport in London which he wants to implement when elected. Speaking in Oxford Street Simon Hughes will propose:

• PILOTING a pedestrianised Oxford Street.

• SCRAPPING the proposed West London tram link, saving an estimated £425million.

• DITCHING the bus 'Countdown' system and a introducing real-time GPS system.

• EXTENDING tube running hours until 2am, Thursday to Saturday.

Simon Hughes believes that a pedestrian Oxford Street will:

• Cut street crime.

• Encourage more shoppers to visit London's main shopping street.

• Reduce the 'intimidation factor' that faces shoppers who venture to one of the world's busiest shopping streets.

With London facing projected budget deficits already in excess of £563million in 2005/06, Simon Hughes has proposed that the tram link from Uxbridge Road to Acton and Ealing be scrapped.

Mr Hughes is also proposing to replace the current bus 'Countdown' system, which is meant to tell waiting passengers when buses are due to arrive, in favour of a Global Positioning System that gives real time information rather than predicted estimates of when buses should reach the stop.

On pedestrianising Oxford Street Simon Hughes said: - "Making Oxford Street a pedestrian only area would stop shoppers being buffeted by the crowds that hit Oxford Street and encourage more people to come to central London. The increase in people's personal space would make pick pocketing much less likely."

"Following the Tube derailments, SARS, the downturn in the economy and the introduction of the congestion charge, businesses in central London have been hit especially hard. It is time to give some fresh and innovative thinking to the problems that London's premier shopping street has to face."

On the West London Tram link Mr Hughes said: "The Livingstone legacy of 'I spend now, you pay later' has left London's coffers of London in tatters. The West London Tram link has not proved popular with many local residents and should be scrapped."

On replacing the 'Countdown' scheme with Real Time Electronic Information (RTEI) Simon Hughes said: - "'Countdown' technology is outdated and at times bear little relation to the reality of when buses turn up. Introducing GPS real time technology would improve information to passengers and encourage more people onto the buses."

ENDS

Notes to editors

A copy of the Executive Summary is enclosed below. a copy of the full document is available from the website or on request from r.stokoe@libdems.org.uk

Executive Summary

WALKING

Make Oxford Street friendly for pedestrians.

• Better signage on key walking routes - show walking times.

• Fund Boroughs so they give priority to making walking a pleasure.

CYCLING

• More secure covered cycle racks in key locations eg rail stations.

• Encourage more employers to provide secure cycle parking and showers.

• Central London cycle routes with colour-coded signage.

BUSES

Satellite technology to deliver:

• Accurate real time information to passengers at bus stops.

• Better management of bus fleets: an end to three buses all at once.

• Announcement systems on board buses identifying each stop.

TUBE

• Extend late night running to 2 a.m. on Thursday, Friday and Saturday.

• Speed up renewing track and signalling on Tube network.

• Police patrols on trains and stations in later evening.

RAIL

• A London Commuter Rail Authority to integrate the capital's transport.

• Action to upgrade commuter rail stations: make them safer and cleaner.

• Visible policing on stations and trains: more CCTV and better lighting.

TRAMS

• Axe Mayor's West London tram saving £425 millions.

• By 2010, a new tramway for East London's Thames Gateway regeneration.

CABS

• A voice for black cab drivers on the Transport for London Board.

• Pilot shared minibus cabs to get clubbers home safe to their front door.

CARS AND MOTORBIKES

• Target congestion hotspots by road pricing using satellite technology.

• Review all bus lanes: revise hours of operation where necessary.

• More and better parking facilities for motorbikes and scooters in London.

A NEW BRIDGE FOR EAST LONDON

• Halt plans for six-lane motorway style bridge at Gallions Reach.

• Consult on local bridge with priority for East London tram scheme.