Mayor ‘contemptuously’ Refuses To Re-consult On Tram Plans

12.00.00am BST (GMT +0100) Fri 18th Oct 2002

The Mayor of London this week refused a call from London Assembly member Lynne Featherstone to re-consult on the West London Transit scheme.

He informed Ms Featherstone, Lib Dem transport spokesperson, that the consultation (in October 2000) convinced him to proceed with the scheme and ‘there was no need’ for further consultation.

“Ealing residents responded to the original consultation believing that Transport for London (TfL) planned to divert through traffic down residential roads. Yet TfL have confirmed to the London Assembly Lib Dems that diversion routes are no longer on their agenda,” said Ms Featherstone.

“Consultation is pointless if residents aren’t given all the facts. For traffic management around the tram scheme, we’ve moved from an appalling plan to a non-existent plan. This is hardly an improvement.

“The Mayor is too fond of cooking up consultations that give him the answer that he wants, and ignoring those which snub his plan. His cavalier and contemptuous attitude devalues the consultation process.”

Ms Featherstone is also concerned that great swathes of Ealing residents did not receive the consultation document.

“Although I am in favour of a tram scheme for West London, it is vital that the Mayor properly consults local residents and takes into account their concerns,” said Ms Featherstone.

“Though it is a relief to know that the diversion routes will not be happening, given the flawed nature of this consultation the Mayor should work with Ealing council to re-consult on a sounder basis.”

The Mayor was appearing at Wednesday’s Assembly meeting as Chair of TfL.