Yesterday I received the following reply to my E-mail to the Mayor of London regarding transport issues.
Our Ref: TfL 32028/GLA 180204-8818
Dear Mr Burton
Thank you for your e-mail to the Mayor concerning public transport and the congestion charging scheme. I have been asked to reply on his behalf, please accept my apologies for the delay in doing so.
Mr Livingstone is aware that drivers make up a substantial proportion of not only the voting public but also the population in general which is why he is committed to making public transport a more viable alternative to the car. Obviously for this to be possible it needs to be safe, reliable and convenient; substantial progress has been made and there are several long term projects in the pipeline to help achieve this aim, please refer to the following link for more details at: www.tfl.gov.uk/tfl/initiatives-projects/ip-index.shtml
Whilst rush hour does see traffic levels rise to a significant level, incentives have also been introduced to encourage off peak travel by having cheaper fares in operation on certain networks. The school run certainly adds to the morning and afternoon rush hours and one of the ways in which the Mayor and Transport for London are trying to tackle this is by encouraging schools to organise walking buses across the capital. Free travel for under 11s on buses and Tramlink as well as freezing all other child fares has also been introduced.
As you feel very strongly about the congestion charging western proposal, you may wish to add your views to the consultation process by completing the online questionnaire at: www.tfl.gov.uk/tfl/cc-ex/public-form-test.shtml
Finally, in reference to telecottages, there are many such developments being built in London also known as live and work units; flexible working patterns can be of further benefit to many workers and it is something that Mr Livingstone would like to see more widespread. In addition, the Mayor is currently consulting on his draft childcare strategy, which includes plans to encourage private and public sector employers to expand flexible and family friendly working policies.
Once again thank you for informing us of your views.
Yours sincerely
Jasmine Howard
Customer Relations
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