Staff Shortages Could Put Transport Projects At Risk

12.00.00am BST (GMT +0100) Thu 17th Oct 2002

Major transport projects like Crossrail could be scrapped because of a lack of skilled transport professionals warned London Assembly Liberal Democrat Mike Tuffrey.

The Mayor of London, appearing yesterday before the London Assembly as chair of Transport for London, agreed there were concerns about staffing and said that the timetable for Crossrail could be affected.

Mr Tuffrey, Lib Dem economic development spokesperson, said: "There are not enough project managers, construction workers, engineers and other transport professionals in London to deliver Crossrail and other planned major transport projects."

"The shortage of key trade and professional skills will jeopardise the infrastructure improvements that are vital to ensure London’s continuing economic growth."

The Mayor agreed to the Lib Dem call for the London Development Agency to conduct a study of the needs of the construction industry to ensure that the wish-list set out by the Mayor in his draft London Plan has a chance of coming to fruition.

"The Mayor must also get construction industry representatives round the table to discuss tackling the industry’s lack of capacity to deliver on time and on budget, and to persuade them to invest in skills development. We need a concerted effort in London from all parties." Mr Tuffrey added.

The Mayor agreed to take-up these suggestions with the LDA.