TFL spends £ 20 million but no one benefits (except the contractors) (Hammersmith and Fulham Liberal Democrats)

Hammersmith and Fulham Liberal Democrats <info@hflibdems.org.uk>

TFL spends £ 20 million but no one benefits (except the contractors)

January 5, 2010 11:04 PM

London Assembly Liberal Democrats have discovered that nearly £ 20 million has been spent by Transport for London on cancelled schemes to improve access at six London stations including West Kensington station.

TFL had started work to provide step-free access at the six stations, which would have meant lifts allowing disabled people, and passengers with buggies to use the public transport network, but Mayor Boris Johnson recently announced that the programmes will be cancelled despite the significant sums already spent.

TFL have told the Evening Standard and the BBC that a loss of revenue and the collapse of Metronet had led to the decision, but Lib Dem Assembly Transport spokesman Caroline Pidgeon said: "Despite all their excuses the harsh fact is that TfL has wasted the staggering sum of £20 million. Through poor budgeting no improvements in access will take place yet £20m of public money has been totally wasted."

TFL were recently slammed for failing to provide lift access at Shepherds Bush Central Line station despite spending millions on refurbishing the station before the opening of Westfield shopping centre.