"LONDONERS WILL PAY HEAVILY FOR BATTLE BETWEEN MAYOR AND METRONET" - POPE

5.18.06pm GMT Tue 13th Mar 2007

Commenting on the publication of the Arbiter's guidance on the possible outcome of an extraordinary review of the PPP deal, Liberal Democrat Transport Spokesman on the London Assembly, Geoff Pope, said:

"London's taxpayers and Tube passengers will pay heavily for the battle between the Mayor and Metronet. The Arbiter has ruled Transport for London is liable for the costs of the Central Line work, and it won't stop there.

'The Mayor's grandstanding in demanding an Extraordinary Review will drag the taxpayer into huge legal costs. He and Metronet should get round the table and settle down to some serious negotiations so our Tube network can be upgraded in an economic and efficient manner."