London's transport network facing yet more problems

3.21.02pm BST (GMT +0100) Mon 20th Oct 2003

The Mayor must reveal how he will tackle a predicted £563m black hole in his transport budget that could jeopardize vital projects to improve reliability and safety, said the London Assembly Liberal Democrats today.

Lynne Featherstone, Liberal Democrat chair of the London Assembly's transport committee warned:

"The two derailments on the Tube this weekend showed how London's public transport network is deteriorating at an alarming rate.

"There needs to be a massive injection of investment into the network. However, according to Transport for London, Mayor Livingstone is on course to leave office next June with his transport budget showing a black hole of at least £563million in future years.

"This could jeopardize vital transport improvements across London. In addition, fares might have to be raised and council tax bills increased in order to overcome the deficit.

"The Mayor must begin to take this problem seriously. He needs to persuade the Government to contribute more to the development of the capital's transport infrastructure.

"If the Government refuses, the Mayor will have to take some tough decisions to make sure that his initiatives are both feasible and sustainable, while priorities such as ensuring passenger safety are met.

"Otherwise this will be yet another example of 'Livingstone spends now, and we pay later'."