Kramer Reappointed To Transport For London Board

3.13.00pm BST (GMT +0100) Tue 13th Jul 2004

A local politician has been given a vote of confidence by being re-appointed to serve on the Transport for London Board for a further four year term. Susan Kramer, Prospective Parliamentary candidate ( Liberal Democrats) for Richmond Park said that she welcomed the opportunity to continue to work for a better transport network in the capital and highlighted issues on her own patch in the borough.

"The biggest agenda is battling for improved rail service to this area despite the fact that TfL's powers over SW trains is limited and Tube improvements are constrained by the Government's 30 year public-private partnership.

"I will also be pushing for a full transport study across Richmond and Kingston so that we understand what journeys people need and want to make. We need to reshape the whole transport network to provide a better, integrated service. That way we have a chance of breaking the traffic gridlock that is growing in key areas while making public transport much more useful.

"Its also time to get a proper push to improve cycling in this area, especially now that the health as well as environmental benefits are becoming widely recognised.Mrs Kramer also stressed that there are many more local neighbourhood issues which she continues to take up with management at TfL.

"There seems to be a lack of consultation when changes are made to bus routes. The proposed re-routing of the 485 is a classic case of not keeping local people properly informed.

"The powers-that-be need to be much clearer and open about any operational changes. These decisions affect the daily lives of local people who depend on buses rather than cars to get them from A to B.

"I also have concerns about the time it takes to implement road safety improvements.

"There is now a pelican crossing at Barnes Bridge - a very busy pedestrian point, particularly for commuters on the 415 and 209 bus routes to Hammersmith.

"There is one small problem - the equipment was installed several weeks ago - but as of this week - the lights are not operational.

"I shall be asking why it is taking the time it is to get this crossing up and running.

"We are also still waiting for action at dangerous junctions of the A316 including Pagoda Avenue and Chalker's Corner. A study has now been promised but we will not be satisfied until a speed safety camera network is in place.

"And the planned reconstruction of blocked drains all along the A316 needs to proceed. The costs are huge but in the end work like this is essential to prevent disruption."