'Has Boris backed down on a promise?' - Caroline Pidgeon AM

2.19.00pm GMT Wed 17th Sep 2008

Commenting on Mayor Johnson's pledge to intervene on the issue of the possible closure of South West Trains' ticket offices Caroline Pidgeon AM, the transport spokesperson for the Liberal Democrat Group at the London Assembly, says: "I'm extremely disappointed to see Mayor Johnson hasn't personally got involved in this matter when he quite clearly said he would.

"Getting his minions at TfL to do his work simply doesn't have the same impact as if the Mayor of London gets involved. I want to see the Mayor sticking to his promises."

In response to a question asked by Caroline at July's Mayor's Question Time Mayor Johnson said he would write to South West Trains to express his strong concern over their plans to close ticket offices and reduces opening hours at their stations.

However, when at this month's MQT Caroline checked to see if he had kept to his word the Mayor replied: "It is my view that these stations should be properly staffed. TfL has written to South West Trains and has also expressed its views to the DfT on this matter."

Caroline says: "This isn't at all what he promised in the summer. It's essential these ticket offices aren't allowed to close which is why I raised the issue in the first place.

"I'll be seeking an explanation as to why he's not written to South West Trains himself and has instead left it to TfL."