Caroline Pidgeon

Caroline has started work on her report looking at making walking in London easier and safer. The report will be reviewing the Mayor’s funding for walking schemes ahead of his 2011 year of walking in London and how he can best achieve his aim to get more people walking. Caroline is out and about throughout August meeting many walking groups, visiting some good examples of pedestrian schemes across the capital.

Hackney Lib Dems held a superb summer garden party on Sunday 1st August with a discussion on the referendum next year for fairer votes. Anthony Barnett who headed up Charter 88 for many years spoke about the four possible outcomes politically from the referendum whist Bridget Fox from Islington spoke about it from a Lib Dem perspective. Anthony’s ideas are posted at the OurKingdom website here.

The afternoon discussion provoked a heated discussion including that AV should not be used but fair or fairer votes instead!

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.