WITHOUT CASH, CROSSRAIL COULD END UP SHUNTED BACK INTO THE SIDINGS - FEATHERSTONE

12.08.20pm GMT Tue 23rd Nov 2004

Commenting on the announcement in the Queen's Speech to put forward a Hybrid Bill for Crossrail, Liberal Democrat Transport Spokesman, Lynne Featherstone, said:-

"The introduction of a Hybrid Bill will be a welcome hesitant step towards building Crossrail. But without a commitment to stumping up the cash, the Crossrail project could end up being an election stunt rather than a practical pledge.

"Ministers have failed to tell Londoners how the Crossrail scheme is expected to be paid for. With less than a fifth of the needed cash put on the table by central Government to fund the scheme, it is time that the Mayor and the Labour Party came clean and told us whether we will have to face fare hikes or Council Tax increases in order to pay for Crossrail.

"Crossrail has received all party backing from day one so that London will get the East West rail link that it so desperately needs. However, London's commuters and Council Tax payers have a right to know how much it will finally cost them to get the scheme built."

ENDS

Notes to editor

The Crossrail Hybrid Bill was announced in the Queen's Speech in the House of Commons today