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Boris plans late Tube at weekend
Pippa Crerar, Political Correspondent03.03.08
Tube trains would run an hour later on Friday and Saturday nights under plans unveiled by Boris Johnson.
The Conservative mayoral candidate also promised extra police to patrol Tube and railway stations and vowed to improve security on London's network.
He also effectively pledged an end to the western extension to the congestion charge and provide a Paris-style bicycle hire scheme.
Ken Livingstone described the plans as "chaotic", and said Mr Johnson "would be a disaster for the city".
Mr Johnson pledged to extend operating hours from central London until about 1.30am, as the rival candidates step up their campaigning to be the next Mayor. Late-night revellers would benefit most but it would also help workers in bars and clubs. But he admitted engineering works, which take place at night, could be delayed.
In the Tory candidate's transport manifesto, he also pledged to stop the closure of Tube ticket offices and plans to consult west London residents on the congestion charge extension, effectively meaning it would be scrapped. He wants the power to fine utilities companies which cause traffic chaos when they dig up the roads.
But he faced embarrassment when London TravelWatch chairman Brian Cooke pulled out of today's launch - claiming his presence would be seen as endorsement.
Mr Johnson launched his manifesto - Getting Londoners Moving - with shadow transport secretary Theresa Villiers at St Pancras. He said: "We too often spend our mornings and evenings in cramped, overcrowded carriages or sitting for hours in traffic, and we pay the highest fares in Europe."
He would bring in direct debit for Oyster cards and more air-conditioning on the Tube. He would try to negotiate a deal with unions where, in return for agreeing not to strike, an independent arbiter would rule on pay. He would reform the congestion charge, which could mean motorists being charged more at rush hour and less at other times. Driverswould be sent a bill at the end of every month rather than racking up "mean-spirited" fines.
He would also scrap Ken Livingstone's £25 charge for gas-guzzling vehicles.
He wants to introduce a new generation of Routemasters, with conductors. He would clamp down on illegal minicabs, set up a Paris-style cycle hire scheme, support some 20mph zones and increase cycle parking. There would also be better integrated river transport on the Thames.
He pledged to re-instate the tidal flow system at the Blackwall tunnel and oppose increasing the Dartford crossing toll charge by 50p to £1.50. Although he has backed calls for a Thames Gateway crossing, he opposes existing plans on environmental grounds.
Mr Livingstone said the plans were "chaotic". He said: "Last week he claimed it would cost only £8 million to put conductors on to some buses when the real cost is £108 million."
Lib-Dem candidate Brian Paddick said the plans for transport policing were actually beyond the Mayor's remit, which does not cover the British Transport Police.
The 1 May ballot will have a field of candidates widely viewed as the most impressive since the post of Mayor was created eight years ago. For Labour, Mr Livingstone is hoping to secure a third term and is certain to highlight the successful bid for the 2012 Olympics, the congestion charge and the deal to fund Crossrail.
MrJohnson is promising more police on the streets, to improve transport and stop the cost of the Games spiralling. The Lib-Dems are fielding former senior Met officer Mr Paddick, while Si‚n Berry of the Greens is the most high-profile of about 10 other candidates expected to enter.
Opinion polls show Mr Livingstone and Mr Johnson running virtually neck and neck. Four years ago, Mr Livingstone comfortably beat his Tory challenger Steve Norris. The Tories were then led by Michael Howard and were fielding a candidate unpopular with some in his own party.
This time, David Cameron is leading a resurgent party and Mr Johnson appears able to unite Tories and appeal to younger voters. In 2004, Labour was still relatively popular nationally, despite opposition to the Iraq war. Its popularity has since dipped with Gordon Brown as Prime Minister.
Reader views (14)
Boris is exactly the kind of person needed to rejuvenate the congestion in London!
As a daily Blackwall Tunnel user, it would be bliss to have the tidal flow re introduced again.
29 years and no major problems.
To address safety issues at the end of the contra flow, where several roads merge, why not install a part time remotely controlled barrier, the same as the one holding back the on coming traffic to avoid the stupid motorists entering the lane with the oncoming traffic from the flyover above.
this must only cost a few thousand pounds as opposed to the thousands held up south side wasting valuable time in whatever trade or industry they are in.
seems simple to me.
- Les, Eltham, eltham
How can any sane person not see that this city desperately needs a new approach. The crime, the soaring costs, the corruption...let's give Boris a chance!
- R M, London, UK
Boris's approach to being Mayor of London is precisely what we Londoners want. Ken never seems to take any notice of anything the people feel about his actions. I have filled out endless forms distributed by his office as to how we felt about the congestion charge being extended, as did a lot of people I know, and frankly it was all a total waste of time, he didn't take any notice of it whatsoever.
BORIS FOR MAYOR FOR SURE!
- Clare, London
We have heard all this before - from Ken - and nothing came of it. Can anyone honestly see Bozza as mayor? The media portray him as a figure of fun. He cannot be taken seriously. Although Ken has his faults the guy has done more for London than anyone.
- John, London
What a disaster, sounds like he's throwing ideas into the air. How does he expect to provide air con on the Tube? I was under the impression that it is nigh on impossible given the design and size of our current Tube trains and tunnels. Also, why should drivers of "gas guzzler" 4x4s be forced to cough up for their selfish habits? What good reason is there for anyone to drive a 4x4 in London - the streets may be potholed, but a 4x4??! Make 'em pay... As for fining utility companies for late running of works and the Paris style cycling scheme - great ideas if he can seriously push them through.
- Cyclist, London
An excellent policy and one which could easily be implemented by someone who is unwilling to capitulate to the every whim and whimsy of the unions.
- St, London
Boris will be a disaster for London. You have been warned...
- Sam, London
Well done Boris! Excellent idea to send out monthly congestion charge bills to motorists. The charge itself is bad enough, but it is a nightmare to pay - having to remember to either do it on-line, or try to find a supermarket to purchase one. This difficult exercise is solely in place to ensure many people forget to do it and thus receive a huge fine It is manifestly unfair. With modern technology there is no reason in the world why it should be so cumbersome and confusing. In Singapore every car is fitted with a little device with a top up card inside which deducts congestion charges according to the time of day. It is also used in parking buildings. Why on earth can't Londoners have something similar.
- D Simmonds, London, UK
I am trying to understand just how is it that the NYC Subway is able to run almost 24 hours a day and costs far less to use than the Tube? Adding another hour is as good a start as anything so well done to Boris Johnson for being pragmatic in that regard.
- Lisa, London
Nothing like trying to win the popular vote...
How does Boris plan to convince the tube drivers to agree to this?
Wouldn't it be a good idea to get the tube to run all weekend first Boris? The Victoria Line maintenance work won't be finished until November... Oh yes and what about updating the District/ Bakerloo line and perhaps making the Circle line more reliable?...
Whilst I'd love a 24 hour tube, maybe it would be a good idea to get it up and running in a decent and safe state during working and day light hours before you start asking us to travel on it when it's covered in condoms and vomit.
- Sam, London
That's the stuff Boris - something for ALL Londoners, not just Ken's preferred minorities.
- Hugo, London
No, Ken, everyone accepts that London has overtaken New York as the world's most dangerous City. On his watch, murders, particularly of the young, have sky rocketed and he has done nothing about it.
- Claire, London
Sounds very attractive policy making.
Maybe Livingstone will take note, and add to his manifesto so we get the benefits regardless of who wins?
- Scott, london
Ken has already tried to get the tube to run later at the weekends. It was scuppered by the unions and the fact engineering work would not get completed by the next morning's opening. Air conditioning on the Tube is coming in the next fleet of Circle, H&C and District line trains, and trials of air cooling are taking place on the deep level lines. Once again, Boris seems to be a bit behind the times and taking Ken's policies that are already happening.
- Darren, London
