Cross River Tram plans under review

10.22.00am BST (GMT +0100) Wed 28th May 2008

The future of the Cross River Tram is under threat, as revealed by questioning from London Assembly member, Caroline Pidgeon.

Boris Johnson stated that he will be reviewing the transport, economic and environmental implications of the Cross River Tram because there is no Government funding in place for the scheme.

Caroline Pidgeon, Transport Spokesperson for the London Assembly Liberal Democrats said:

"It is of huge concern that the new Mayor is reviewing the Cross River Tram scheme. The proposal is extremely popular in communities throughout South London. As a new, inexperienced Mayor, he should be listening to what Londoners want.

'South London is in dire need of improved transport links. By crossing the river, the tram would also encourage new links between North and South London.

'The Mayor needs to work urgently with TfL to find a way to fund this much-needed scheme. Boris Johnson's refusal to make a firm commitment on the Cross River Tram is very disappointing. Liberal Democrats on the Assembly will continue to press the Mayor to make the tram a priority."

ENDS

Notes to Editors:

1. The question was put to Boris Johnson through a written Mayor's Question which is attached below.

Question No: 871 / 2008

Caroline Pidgeon

In view of the campaign run by the South London Press with the support of Westminster, Southwark, Lambeth and Camden Councils, to ensure that TfL's Cross River Tram project is carried forward and crosses the river in the first construction phase, will you now give a firm commitment to promote the project and to seek appropriate funding from central Government?

Cross River Tram (CRT) has been developed over a number of years by TfL in partnership with the local boroughs. There is currently funding in TfL's Business Plan up until 2010 to develop this scheme. However, there is no Government funding for implementation. In this light, I intend to review the transport, economic and environmental implications of CRT and form a view on the best way to proceed.