‘Zombie knives’ set to be banned

Caroline’s campaign against knife crime saw some welcome news with reports that ‘zombie’ or other long knives might join a list of already banned knives.

Last week’s Independent on Sunday has the full story.

Caroline’s recent report on knife crime, which set out a number of policies to tackle the growing problem can be seen here.

Getting Crossrail 2 right

Caroline has responded to Transport for London’s recent consultation on Crossrail 2.

You can see a full copy of her response here.

Caroline sets out the long standing support of London Assembly Liberal Democrats for Crossrail 2. Her consultation response also reiterates the vital importance of every station on the route, from the first day of operation, providing step-free access.

Caroline’s response also calls for TfL to consider a Crossrail 2 station at Streatham and Worcester Park. Her submission also raises a number of other local issues that need to be addressed in both South West and North East London.

Caroline would like to thank local councillors and members who have fed in comments and suggestions to her submission response.

Oxford Street – are we moving closer to pedestrianisation?

The Mayor has confirmed that TfL are in the process of examining the possibility of pedestrianising Oxford Street.

The move comes in response to Stephen Knight, who presented a petition urging the Mayor and Westminster Council “to remove all motor traffic from Oxford Street, introduce a zero emissions shuttle bus, leading to full pedestrianisation of Oxford Street by 2020.”

In a letter to Stephen the Mayor said TfL and Westminster Council were “examining a range of options for improving the environment for pedestrians on Oxford Street”. The plans include “reducing traffic, widening footways, reducing and relocating bus stops and pedestrianisation”.

Responding to the Mayor’s letter Stephen said: “If Oxford Street and the West End is to remain a world class retail centre it must become a much safer and more pleasant place to visit and that must mean moving towards permanent pedestrianisation.”

For further information see a report from London Love Business.

Issues around the Garden Bridge get even murkier

Yesterday’s Sunday Observer revealed even further revelations about the Garden Bridge.  Caroline has been at the forefront of an extensive investigation into the procurement of the design contract for the bridge.  An excellent report on the most recent evidence session can be in this recent Guardian report.

Keep in touch with Caroline and Stephen

Both Caroline and Stephen can be followed on twitter.  Do follow them if you don’t already.  You can keep up with Caroline at @CarolinePidgeon and Stephen at @StephenKnight1. The GLA Liberal Democrat Assembly Group’s Twitter feed is at @GLALibDems

You can also keep up with a lot of transport issues that Caroline takes up, in every borough across London, at her own website.  Alternatively you can keep up with the activities of both Caroline and Stephen at www.glalibdems.org.uk

Finally if you would like Caroline or Stephen to raise an issue, especially through Mayor’s Question Time, please send your suggestions to info@glalibdems.org.uk