Assembly rejects Crossrail cuts

9 JUNE 2010

Crossrail must be delivered in full and on time to guarantee London’s future economic success, the London Assembly said today.

A motion agreed unanimously at today’s Mayor’s Question Time warned that any proposals to axe the Abbey Wood or Maidenhead branches or reduce the number of stations could hamper the capital’s economic recovery.

Proposing the motion Val Shawcross AM told the Assembly,

“Cutting great chunks off the Crossrail project would be incredibly short-sighted and I urge the Government to look at other ways of saving money on the project. London’s economy is on the road to recovery but we need to invest in the infrastructure that will give us the transport capacity to foster that growth.”

Seconding the motion Caroline Pidgeon AM said,

“Crossrail is crucial, not just for London but for the country as a whole. London is the economic heart of the UK and the benefits Crossrail will bring to the City will soon be recouped by the Government in future tax revenues.  Cutting branches or stations to make short term savings is the wrong decision and I urge the Government to reject any such proposal.”

Members also raised concerns that the cost of the project was not being shared by communities living near the eight stations outside Greater London.

The full text of the motion reads as follows:

“This Assembly supports the Crossrail project and believes that its entire delivery by 2017 , as currently proposed - with links to Maidenhead in the west, and Abbey Wood and Shenfield in the east - is crucial to the future economic success of London. This Assembly gives its full backing to the Mayor of London in lobbying the Government to protect the position of transport in London in the Comprehensive Spending Review to ensure that both Crossrail 1 and the upgrade of London Underground are delivered in full and to the currently planned timetable.”

Ends

Notes for editors:

  1. The motion was agreed unanimously
  2. View the webcast of today’s meeting here.
  3. As well as investigating issues that matter to Londoners, the London Assembly acts as a check and a balance on the Mayor.